PRIDE AND 
PPjSJUDICE 



A PLAY 






Ami STEELE MacKAYE 




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PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 

A PLAY 




Mr. Darcy, I have never desired your good opinion, and 

you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly." 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 



A PLAY 



FOUNDED ON JANE AUSTEN'S 
NOVEL 



By 
MRS. STEELE MACK A YE 




NEW YORK 
DUFFIELD AND COMPANY 

igo6 



at C(Sess 
Two Cou/es Recei^od 
SEP 24 1906 

Iff Copyist Entry 

{ Copy b. ' 



7K4<j34- 



Copyright, 1906, by 
DUFFIELD & COMPANY. 

Published September, 1906. 



SPECIAL COPYRIGHT NOTICE. 

This play is fully protected by copyright, all requirements of the 
law having been complied with. Performances may be given only 
with the written permission of Duffield & Company, agents for 
Mrs. Steele Mackaye, owner of the acting rights. 

Extract from the law relating to copyright : 

"SEC. 4996. Any person publicly performing or representing 
any dramatic or musical composition for which a copyright has 
been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said 
dramatic or musical composition or his heirs or assigns, shall be 
liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be as- 
sessed at such sum not less than one hundred dollars for the first 
and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance as to the Court 
shall appear just. If the unlawful performance and representation 
be wilful and not for profit, such person or persons shall be 
guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a 
period not exceeding one year." 



PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

MR. DARCY— (of Pembebley, Debbyshibe). "Possessed of a 
fine tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and . . . 
ten thousand a year . . . clever . . . haughty, re- 
served and fastidious; his manners, though well-bred, were 
not inviting. ' Some people call him proud, 1 said Mrs. Rey- 
nolds, the housekeeper at Pemberley, ' but I am sure I never 
saw anything of it. . . . He is the best landlord and 
the best master that ever lived.' " 

MR. BINGLEY — (of Nethebfield, Hebtfobdshibe, Dabcy's 
Fbiend). "Just what a young man ought to be; sensible 
and good-humoured, lively . . . such happy manners I 
80 much ease, with such perfect good breeding . . . 
Also handsome, which a young man ought likewise to be 
if he possibly can." 

COLONEL FITZWILLI AM— (Cousin to Dabcy). "About 
thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly 
the gentleman." 

MR. BENNET — (of Longboubn). "An odd mixture of quick 
parts, sarcastic humour, reserve and caprice. He was fond 
of the country and of books, and from these tastes had 
arisen his principal enjoyments." 

MR. COLLINS — (a Cousin of Mb. Bennet, and Next in the 
Entail of Longboubn Estate). "A tall, heavy-looking 
young man of five-cnd-twenty. His air was grave and 
stately, and his manners very formal. His veneration 
for his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourg, mingling with 
a very good opinion of himself and of his authority as a 
clergyman . . . made him altogether a mixture of 
pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility." 



vi PERSONS OF THE PLAY 

SIR WILLIAM LUCAS — (an Intimate Fbiend and Neigh- 
boub of the Bennets). "Formerly in trade in Meryton 
. . . he had risen to the honour of knighthood by an 
address to the King during his mayoralty. The distinction 
had . . . given him a disgust to his business, and, 
. . . quitting it, he had removed . . . to Lucas 
Lodge, where he could think with pleasure of his own im- 
portance, and . . . occupy himself solely in being civil 
to all the world." 

COLONEL FORSTER — (the Colonel of the Regiment 
Stationed at Mebyton). 

MR. WICKHAM — (an Offices in the Regiment). "Endowed 
with all the best parts of beauty — a fine countenance, 
a good figure, and a very pleasing address. As false 
and deceitful as he is insinuating." 

MR. DENNY — (Another Officer in the Regiment). 

HARRIS — (thb Butleb at Longboubn). 

MRS. BENNET — (the Wife of Mb. Bennet). "A woman of 
mean understanding, little information, and uncertain tem- 
per. When she ivas discontented she fancied herself ner- 
vous. The business of her life was to get her daughters 
married; its solace was visiting and news." 

JANE — (Eldest Daughteb of Mb. and Mbs. Bennet). " She 
united with great strength of feeling a composure of 
temper and a uniform cheerfulness of manner. Her mild 
and steady candour always pleaded allowances, and urged 
the possibility of mistakes." 

ELIZABETH— (Theib Second Daughteb). "Although not so 
handsome as Jane, her face was rendered uncommonly in- 
telligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. 
She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in 
anything ridiculous, tvith more quickness of observation 
and less pliancy of temper than her sister. There was a 
mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which 
made it difficult for her to affront anybody." 



PERSONS OF THE PLAY vii 

LYDIA — (Theib Youngest Daughter). "A stout, well-grown 
girl of fifteen, with a fine complexion and a good-humoured 
countenance — a favourite with her mother, whose affection 
had brought her into public at an early age." 

LADY LUCAS — (the Wife of Sib William). " ~Kot too clever 
to be a valuable neighbour to Mrs. Bennet." 

CHARLOTTE LUCAS— (Daughter of Sir William and 
Lady Lucas). "A sensible, intelligent young woman, 
about twenty-seven, . . . Elizabeth's intimate friend." 

MISS BINGLEY— (Sister of Mr. Bingley). "A very fine 
lady . . . but proud and conceited." 

LADY CATHERINE DE BOURG— (Aunt of Darcy and 
Patroness of Mr. Collins). "A tall, large woman, with 
strongly marked features, which might once have been 
handsome. Her air icas not conciliating. . . . What- 
ever she said, teas spoken in so authoritative a tone as 
marked her self-importance." 

HILL — (the Housekeeper at Longbourn). 

MARTHA — (the Maid at Mr. Collins's Parsonage). 



ACT I 

The Dbawing-Room at Longboubn 

ACT II 

The Obangeby at Nethebfield 

One Month Lateb 

ACT III 

Mb. Collinb's Pabsonage at Hunsfobd 

Thbee Months Lateb 

ACT IV 

The Shbubbeby at Longboubn 

One Week Lateb 

Place: England Time: 1796 



" In the novels of the last hundred years there are vast 
numbers of young ladies with whom it might be a pleasure to 
fall in love, — but to live with and to marry, I do not know that 
any of them can come into competition with Elizabeth Bennet" 
— Geobge Saintsbuby. Preface to the Peacock Edition of 
" Pride and Prejudice." 



ACT I 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 

A PLAY 

ACT I 

The drawing-room, at Longboum. At the hack, wide 
glass doors open upon a terrace which overlooks an 
English landscape. It is winter, and coals are burn- 
ing in the fireplace. On each side of the glass doors 
are rounded recesses with windows. On one side of 
the room a door opens into the library. On the other 
side is a door to the hall — the chief entrance of the 
house. The room is handsomely furnished in eight- 
eenth century style. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet ar» 
discovered sitting on either side of the table. Mrs. 
Bennet is knitting — Mr. Bennet reading. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[After a slight pause and laying down her knitting.] 
My dear Mr. Bennet, did not you hear me? Did you 
know that Netherfield Park is let at last? 

Mr. Bennet. 
[Continues reading and does not answer.] 



2 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Impatiently.'] Do not you want to know who has 
taken it? 

Mr. Bennet. 
[Ceases reading and looks up at her with an amused 
smile.'] You want to tell me, and I have no objection to 
hearing it. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[With animation.] Why, my dear, you must know Lady 
Lucas says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of 
large fortune from the North of England. His name is 
Bingley, and he is single, my dear. Think of that, Mr. 
Bennet ! A single man of large fortune ; four or five thou- 
sand pounds a year. What a fine thing for our girls I 

Mr. Bennet. 
How so? How can it affect them? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
My dear Mr. Bennet, how can you be so tiresome ! You 
must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of 
them. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Is that his design in settling here? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Design! — Nonsense! How can you talk so? But it is 
very likely that he will fall in love with one of them, and 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 3 

therefore you must visit him as soon as you can. Con- 
sider your daughters, Mr. Bennet ! Only think what an 
establishment it would be for one of them ! Sir William 
and Lady Lucas are determined to go merely on that ac- 
count. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for 
us to visit him if you do not. 

Mr. Bennet. 
[Who has risen during this last speech and now stands 
with his back to the fire, facing Mrs. Bennet.] You 
are overscrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will 
be very glad to see you, and I will send a few lines to 
assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying which- 
ever he chooses of the girls — though I must throw in a 
good word for my little Lizzy. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Sharply.'] I desire you will do no such thing ! Lizzy 
is not a bit better than the others. She is not half as hand- 
some as Jane, nor as good-humoured as Lydia. But you 
are always giving her the preference. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Not unless she deserves it, my dear. But in this par- 
ticular instance my poor little Lizzy is the only one who 
is unprovided for. Lydia and the others belong in the 
schoolroom, and you tell me that Mr. Collins has already 
spoken for Jane. 



4 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, that odious Mr. Collins ! I wish he had never come 
here. I wish I might never hear his name again ! 

Mr. Bennet. 
Mr. Collins odious ! You surprise me ! I thought that 
he had won your full approval. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Fretfully.] Oh, well, since he had to be your cousin, 
and since you will not do anything about the entail, I 
suppose it will be a mercy if he does marry Jane. [Half 
crying.] But I do think, Mr. Bennet, it is the hardest 
thing in the world that we have no son of our own, so that 
your property has to be entailed away from your own 
wife and children, so if you should die, we may all be 
turned out of the house whenever this Mr. Collins pleases. 
[In bewailing tone.] He certainly does seem to have all 
the luck in the world. Here he has just got this good 
living from that grand Lady Catherine de Bourg. 

Mr. Bennet. 
But, my dear, that will soon be your luck, as well. You 
forget that your daughter is to profit by it. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, perhaps. I don't know about that, but, [With 
renewed excitement.] I do know that it is too monstrous 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 5 

that after you are gone I shall be forced to make way for 
this man and live to see him master in this house ! 

Mr. Bennet. 
My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. 
Let us hope for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that 
I may be the survivor. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[This is not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet; and 
therefore, instead of making answer, she goes on as be- 
fore.] If it was not for the entail I should not mind it. 

Mr. Bennet. 
What should not you mind? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
I should not mind anything at all. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state 
of such insensibility. But it certainly is a most iniquitous 
affair, and nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt 
of inheriting Longbourn. However, you know he is doing 
his best to mend matters. He has not only handsomely 
apologised for his fault, but he has now assured us of his 
readiness to make every possible amends by marrying one 
of the girls. Surely, my dear, you must acknowledge that 
this plan is excessively generous on his part. 



6 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Dolefully.] Well, I suppose it might be worse. 

Mr. Bennet. 
[Cheerfully.] Decidedly worse. With Jane so well 
settled, and a single man like Mr. Bingley in prospect, 
I think you should be quite cheerful. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Excited once more.] Mr. Bingley! We shall never 
know Mr. Bingley. Oh, Mr. Bennet, you take delight in 
vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves. 

Mr. Bennet. 
You mistake, my dear. I have a high respect for your 
nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you men- 
tion them with consideration these twenty years at least. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Ah ! You do not know what I suffer. 

Lydia. 

[Bursting into the room, followed by Jane.] Oh, 
that horrid practice! [Looking bach at Jane.] Jane 
does so keep me at it. [Throwing herself into a chair.] 
La, Fm tired to death. 

Jane. 
[Who sees that her mother is half crying, goes and 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 7 

stands behind her chair, puts her hand affectionately on 
her shoulder, and bends over her.] Does your head ache, 
mamma ? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Of course my head aches. Your father is so teasing. 
I cannot persuade him to call on Mr. Bingley at Nether- 
field, so I suppose we shall never know him. 

Jane. 
[Smiling. ~\ But you forget, mamma, that we shall meet 
him at the assemblies, and Lady Lucas has promised to 
introduce him. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
I do not believe Lady Lucas will do any such thing. She 
has daughters of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical 
woman, and I have no opinion of her. 

Mr. Bennet. 
No more have I, and I am glad to find that you do not 
depend on her serving you. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
I may have to depend on her after all, Mr. Bennet, 
since you will do nothing to help me. [Fretfully to Lydia, 
who has been yawning and coughing.] Don't keep cough- 
ing, Lydia, for Heaven's sake! Have a little compassion 
on my nerves. 

[Lydia pouts and looks unutterable things.] 



8 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mr. Bennet. 
Lydia has no discretion in her coughs. She times them 
ill. 

Lydia. 
I do not cough for my own amusement, papa. Jane, 
when is your next ball ? 

Jane. 
To-morrow fortnight. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Starting excitedly.'] Ay, so it is — and Lady Lucas 
does not come back till the day before. So you see it will 
be impossible for her to introduce Mr. Bingley, for she 
will not know him herself. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your 
friend, and you can introduce Mr. Bingley to her. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Impossible, Mr. Bennet, when I am not acquainted with 
him myself. How can you be so teasing? 

Mr. Bennet. 
I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaint- 
ance is certainly very little. But if we do not venture, 
somebody else will, and if you decline the office I will take 
it upon myself. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 9 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[As the two girls stare at their father.] Oh, nonsense 
— nonsense! I am sick of Mr. Bingley! 

Mr. Bennet. 
I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell me so 
before? If I had known as much a week ago, I certainly 
should not have called upon him. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Springing from her chair and throwing her arms about 
Mr. Bennet's neck.'] What! You have really called 
upon him ? Oh, how good in you, my dear Mr. Bennet ! 

Mr. Bennet. 
It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the 
visit — and as he will very likely return it at any time, and 
bring his friend, Mr. Darcy, with him — we cannot now 
avoid the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley and his party. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, I was sure you loved your 
girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance. [Mr. 
Bennet deftly takes her hands from his shoulders. She 
stands looking fondly at him.] Well, how pleased I am ! 
And it was such a good joke that you should have already 
paid Mr. Bingley a visit and never said a word about it. 



10 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mr. Bennet. 
Yes. Yes. Well, I must go to the library. [He goes 
to the door, but stops for a moment.] Now, Lydia, you can 
cough as much as you choose. [He goes out] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Looking after Mr. Bennet.] What an excellent 
father you have, girls! [Turns to the girls.] I do not 
know how you will ever make him amends for his kind- 
ness, or me either, for that matter. At our time of life 
it is not so pleasant to be making new acquaintances every 
day. But for your sakes we would do anything. [Looking 
about her.] Where is Lizzy? Lydia, my love, where is 
your sister? 

Lydia. 

Oh, she is out walking with Charlotte Lucas and that 
dismal Mr. Collins. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Lizzy — out walking with Mr. Collins? Why didn't you 
go, Jane? 

Jane. 
I had to practise with Lydia. 

Lydia. 

I'm sure I would have excused you. But what is Mr. 
Collins here for, mamma? I am sure I caught Mr. Wick- 
ham and Colonel Forster laughing at him the day we went 
to Meryton. Why does papa have a cousin like that? 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 11 

Mrs. Bennet. 
He really cannot help it. It is the entail, my love — 
[Mysteriously.] But I hope that all you girls will be very 
civil to him, Jane especially. 

Jane. 

I — mamma ? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Embarrassed.] Yes — my love. — You see 



[She is interrupted by the sound of laughter outside, 
and Elizabeth's voice.] 

Elizabeth. 
Very well, Mr. Collins. 

[Mrs. Bennet makes a sudden awed gesture of silence 
to the girls, who fail to understand. Elizabeth 
enters by the glass doors. She is dressed in winter 
walking costume: a large hat, — fur-trimmed pele- 
rine, and a large muff. She stops in the doorway 
and looks at Mrs. Bennet, half puzzled and 
smiling.] 

Elizabeth. 
Well, what is it, mamma? What is the matter? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Nothing. Hush ! What have you done with Mr. Collins ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Laughing.] Oh, Mr. Collins is safe! He has gone 
round to the library. 



12 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[With a sigh of relief.'] How providential! 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking back.] But I have brought someone else 
with me. 

[Mr. Wickham and Charlotte Lucas come in gaily.] 

All. 
[Exclaiming.] Oh, Mr. Wickham! 

Wickham. 
[To Mrs. Bennet.] How do you do, Mrs. Bennet? 
This is indeed a pleasure. [Going over to Jane.] Miss 
Bennet, I am so glad to see you. [Reproachfully.] You 
were not with our party! [To Lydia.] Why do you 
never come to Meryton, Miss Lydia? Mr. Denny is quite 
downcast. 

Lydia. 
[Pouting.] La, Mr. Denny! 

Wickham. 
And many others beside him, Miss Lydia. 

[Lydia giggles. Wickham returns to Mrs. Bennet.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, 'tis an age since we saw you, Mr. Wickham. 
What have you been doing? 

Wickham. 
Colonel Forster keeps me so busy that I have no time 
for enjoyment. 






PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY IS 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, Mr. Wickham bears all the marks of an harassed 
and overworked man. 

Wickham. 
[Bowing to Elizabeth.] Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. 
You have given me the very terms I needed. [To Mrs. 
Bennet.] You see before you, Mrs. Bennet, an harassed 
and overworked man. Miss Elizabeth will bear witness 
that I was on my way to a business appointment when 
I yielded to temptation and went off for a walk with her 
and Miss Lucas and their irreproachable escort. 

Elizabeth. 
And Miss Elizabeth will also testify that you yielded 
with the celerity and ease of long practice. 

Wickham. 
[Laughing; to Elizabeth.] But in this case who was 
the tempter? 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, I will admit that Mr. Collins was partially re- 
sponsible. 

[All laugh.'] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Come, Lizzy, you have been talking to Mr. Wickham 
all the morning. Now, let some of the rest of us have 
a chance. [Turning to Wickham.] You must stay to 
dinner, Mr. Wickham. 



14 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

WlCKHAM. 

I wish I might. That is indeed a temptation. But you 
know Miss Elizabeth has just reminded me of my duty. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, nobody ever minds Lizzy ! 

WlCKHAM. 

Truly, I cannot to-day, Mrs. Bennet. It is too bad, but 
I am to meet Colonel Forster [Smiling at Elizabeth] on 
important business at the Drake Farm. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, I am very sorry. 

WlCKHAM. 

[Hesitatingly.'] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster 
in for a few moments on the way back — that is, if we re- 
turn this way. 

All. 
Oh, yes, do. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be de- 
lighted to see him. 

WlCKHAM. 

Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. 
[Bowing brightly to Jane and Lydia.] Good morning. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 15 

[To Charlotte Lucas.] Good morning, Miss Lucas. 
You must let me hear more about those clever plans of 
yours. I am vastly interested in them. [To Elizabeth.] 
Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [Laughing.] You must 
try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I 
join you in a walk. [Pausing, he looks at Mrs. Bennet, 
who is standing between her daughters.] Do you know, 
Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one of my old 
schoolboy phrases. Filia pulchrel — Mater pulchrior! 
Good-bye. 

[He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps 

when Lydia, who has been standing close to the 

door, runs out and calls to him.] 

Lydia. 
Oh, Mr. Wickham ! 

[Wickham turns and Lydia runs up to him and 
whispers something in his ear. Wickham laughs, 
then shalces his finger at her, still laughing, and 
goes off. Lydia stops outside and watches him.] 

Jane. 
Really, mamma, I think you should speak to Lydia. 
She is too forward. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Nonsense! You are jealous. 

Jane. 

Jealous ! Of Lydia ? 



16 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, she is no more forward than any of you. All you 
girls are crazy about Mr. Wickham. [Indulgently.] But 
I can't wonder at it. He certainly is a most engaging 
young man. What were those French words he said to 
me as he went out, Lizzy? 

Elizabeth. 
They were Latin, dear. He paid a very charming com- 
pliment to our pretty mamma. He said — The daughters- 
are lovely, but the mother is lovelier. You know papa 
always says that you are handsomer than any of us. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
My dear Lizzy, I certainly have had my share of beauty, 
but I don't pretend to be anything extraordinary now. 
[Mr. Collins enters.] Oh, Mr. Collins, there you are. 

Mr. Collins. 
[Bowing profoundly.] I do not find Mr. Bennet in the 
library, Madam. Do you know where he is ? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Why, really, Mr. Collins, I can't imagine. Did you 
enjoy your walk? 

Mr. Collins. 
Most assuredly, Madam. The beauties of nature, not 
only in the landscape, but also [Bowing to Elizabeth and 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 17 

Charlotte Lucas.] in the blooming countenances of my 
fair companions, made our expedition a peculiarly en- 
joyable one. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, I am very glad of it, I am sure. [To Jane and 
Lydia.] Girls, we haven't told Lizzy and Charlotte the 
news. 

Elizabeth. 
What news, mamma? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Looking at Charlotte with an ill-concealed triumph.] 
Oh, nothing of consequence, Lizzy, only your father has 
just told us that we may expect a visit at any time from 
our new neighbour, Mr. Bingley, and that friend of his 
who is stopping with him. 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, Mr. Bingley ! That will be entertaining. [Suddenly 
with mischief she turns to Mr. Collins, who all through 
this latter conversation has been staring at Jane with 
solemn persistence.] Do not you think so, Mr. Collins? 

Mr. Collins. 
[Starting from his absorption.] Eh? What? [Pomp- 
ously again.] Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth, on what subject 
did you ask my opinion? 



18 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
I asked you if you didn't think it was a very pleasant 
thing to meet new neighbours. 

Mr. Collins. 
Most assuredly, Miss Elizabeth, if those neighbours are 
possessed of those qualifications which redound to their 
own credit, and to the edification of their friends. Other- 
wise, as a clergyman, I must hesitate in my approval. [To 
Mrs. Bennet.] You realise, I am sure, Madam, the 
caution which should ever be exercised where my amiable 
young cousins are concerned. 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, mamma, you really should be cautious. 

Mrs. Bennet. 

Nonsense! Why, my dear Mr. Collins, we have found 
out all about them. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are con- 
nected with some of the most respectable families in 
England. 

Mr. Collins. 

[In amazement.'] Mr. Darcy? Mr. Fitzgerald Darcy! 
My dear Madam, can it be possible that you are to be 
honoured by a visit from him ? Respectable indeed ! Why, 
he is the nephew of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine 
de Bourg. It is true that I have never yet had the honour 
of meeting him — but he frequently visits his aunt, and 
she has promised to bring him on some occasion to inspect 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 19 

my humble abode. I am surprised, indeed, by this civility 
on his part. [Anxiously.] I only fear there may be some 
mistake, for Mr. Darcy has the reputation of possessing 
a very natural pride of birth; but if your information is 
indeed to be relied upon, I think Lady Catherine would 
consent to my approval of this visit, provided my fair 
cousins will keep in mind the proper attitude of respectful 
humility which should be assumed toward a person of his 
superior station. 

Elizabeth. 
We will promise you, Mr. Collins, never for one instant 
to forget either Mr. Darcy's exalted position or our own 
insignificance. 

Me. Collins. 
[Looking at Tier with admiration.'] With that assur- 
ance, Miss Elizabeth, I think even Lady Catherine would 
be satisfied. So I need no longer withhold my sanction. 

Elizabeth. 
[Curtsying.] We thank you, sir. 

Mr. Collins. 
This is the very attitude of mind I could desire. [To 
Mrs. Bennet.] I think, with your permission, I will now 
retire again to the library. [Going over smilingly to Jane.] 
There was a volume of Fordyce's sermons that you may 
remember I was reading to you in this room yesterday. I 



20 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

do not find it in the library. Do you know where it is? 
[Looking about him.] 

Jane. 
I haven't seen it, Mr. Collins. I will try to find it for 
you. [She starts as if to go out of the room.'] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Wishing to leave them together.] No — no, Lydia will 
find it. Lydia, my love, go see if you can find the sermons 
for Mr. Collins. 

[Lydia, with a grimace, rises slowly from her chair.] 

Charlotte Lucas. 
Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I am quite sure that I saw the book 
in the hall. I will go fetch it. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Sharply.] On no account, Charlotte. Lydia will find 
the book. Lizzy, go and get the mud off your shoes. 

Mr. Collins. 
Oh, I will not trouble any of you ladies. 

Mrs. Bennet. 

It is no trouble, Mr. Collins. Charlotte, if you will 
come with me, I have a parcel I should like to send your 
mother. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 21 

Me. Collins. 

But I assure you, Madam 

[As they go out, Mrs. Bennet — looking daggers at 
Charlotte— tries to keep Mr. Collins with 
Jane.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Lydia will find your book, Mr. Collins. 

Mr. Collins. 

On no account, Madam 

[With awkward gallantry Mr. Collins ushers out the 
ladies — Lydia rebellious, Charlotte somewhat 
offended.] 

Elizabeth. 
[With an amused smile, having watched the party van- 
ish, turns to Jane and speaks to her in mock-heroic 
fashion.] Miss Bennet ! Do you realise the honour which 
is so soon to fall upon our humble home, and our grate- 
fully humble selves? 

Jane. 
[Smiling.] Oh, Lizzy ! 

Elizabeth. 
Do you really grasp in its full significance the fact that 
we may soon be honoured by a visit from Mr. Bingley of 



22 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Netherfield and Mr. Fiztgerald Darcy, nephew of the Lady 
Catherine de Bourg? 

Jane. 
Oh, Lizzy, Mr. Collins is a little pompous, but he seems 
a very well-meaning young man — indeed, sometimes quite 
agreeable. 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking quizzically, but affectionately, at her sister.] 
No one can be anything but agreeable in the mind of our 
dear Jane. This time, however, I quite agree with you, 
I am as delighted as papa with Mr. Collins. I can see 
that his mixture of servility and importance promises well. 

Jane. 
And I think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy promise well. 
If the half of what our neighbours say is true, Mr. Bing- 
ley will give us all sorts of gaieties. [Slyly.'] Who 
knows ? We may find him as entertaining as Mr. Wickham. 

Elizabeth. 
As Mr. Wickham? Then, dear Jane, we shall be rich 
indeed. [Counting on her fingers.] For hospitality — 
Mr. Bingley; for conversation — Mr. Wickham; for grand- 
eur — Mr. Darcy, and the agreeable Mr. Collins ! 

Jane. 

Oh, Lizzy ! Can not you let the poor man alone ? 






PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 23 

Elizabeth 
With all my heart. I will gladly let him alone. You 
shall have him all to yourself. [Mischievously.'] If only 
Mr. Collins knew your good opinion of him! But he is 
too modest to find it out for himself. 

Jane. 
[Playfully pulling Elizabeth's ear.] You are a tease ! 

Harris. 
[Entering.'] The two gentlemen from Netherfield have 
just brought their horses into the paddock, Madam. 

Jane. 

Show them in, Harris, and speak to Mrs. Bennet at 
once. 

[Harris bows and goes out.] 

Jane. 
They have come soon, Lizzy. Really this is very civil 
in them. 

Elizabeth. 
Uncommonly civil. Come with me, Jane. I must 
make myself tidy. Mud and dirty petticoats for Mr. Darcy ! 
— Oh, that would never do. 

[They run off, laughing. There is a short pause. 
Then Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy enter. The 
latter is very quiet, with an air of scornful 



24 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

hauteur. Bingley, on the contrary, has a gracious 
and animated manner. Harris ushers them in, 
much impressed.'] 

Bingley. 
[To Harris.] You will announce us to Mr. Bennet and 
the ladies. 

[Harris goes out.] 
Do you know, Darcy, I believe that was George Wick- 
ham we saw just now, going toward the Drake Farm. 

Darcy. 
[Quietly.] I think there is no doubt of it. 

Bingley. 
But what is he doing here? 

Darcy. 
[With assumed indifference.] Probably it is his regi- 
ment which is stationed at Meryton. 

Bingley. 
[Excitedly.] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, 
confound it, if I had had any notion of that — I . . . 
I . . . 

Darcy. 
[Contemptuously.] I don't think we need mind 
Wickham. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 25 

BlNGLEY. 

But I do mind ! To think that I should bring you into 
the neighbourhood of that rascal 

Darct. 
He must live somewhere, I suppose. 

BlNGLEY. 

Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to 
me. — You are, indeed ! How can you speak with any 
charity of a man who for years abused the patience and 
generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has at- 
tempted against your family the most dastardly action 
that 

Darcy. 
[Interrupting him with hauteur.] We have already said 
too much of George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss 
him further. 

[Bingley turns away hurt and embarrassed. Darcy 
seeing the effect of his words and manner, goes to 
him kindly, and speaks to him in a changed voice.] 
Bingley, I entirely understand your indignation. In- 
deed, I share it so fully that I dare not trust myself to 
think of the man's villainy. It is better that I say noth- 
ing of him, even to you. 

Bingley. 
[Moved.] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy. 



26 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Darcy. 

It is rather for me to ask yours. 

[There follows an awkward pause, which Bingley at 
length breaks by speaking in a tone of forced 
gaiety. .] 



Bingley. 



Pretty place, this. 



Darcy. 
[With a shrug.'] Very small. 

Bingley. 
What has the size to do with it ? I think we are in luck 
to have such charming neighbours. You know we saw 
two of the young ladies going through the lane the other 
day. Why, Darcy, one of them is the most beautiful 
creature I ever beheld — and the other — the one with the 
dark eyes — she is uncommonly pretty. Don't you think so ? 

Darcy. 

She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family 
connections. 

Bingley. 
[Quickly.'] What do you mean? 

Darcy. 
I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an 
attorney in Meryton. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 27 

BlNGLET. 

[Shortly.] Yes. 

Darcy. 
And that they have another in London who lives some- 
where near Cheapside. 

BlNGLEY. 

[With irritation.] If they had uncles enough to fill 
all Cheapside, it wouldn't make them one jot less hand- 
some. 

Darcy. 

But it must materially lessen their chances of marry- 
ing men of any consideration in the world. 

BlNGLEY. 

Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy. 

Darcy. 

Perhaps. But I am in no humour to give consequence 
to young ladies. I am here to please you, Bingley — and — 
[He smiles meaningly.] knowing your disposition, I think 
it is just as well that I came. 

[Bingley is about to reply when the door opens 
and Mrs. Bennet enters, followed by Jane and 



28 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. The two young men make ceremonious 
bows. Mrs. Bennet curtsies and then advances 
with delighted fussiness.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Good morning, gentlemen. I am so sorry that Mr. 
Bennet has gone for his walk. 

[As she Tools a little puzzled from one to the other, 
Bingley advances.] 

BlNGLEY. 

Good morning, Mrs. Bennet. I am Mr. Bingley, your 
new neighbour at Netherfield. This is my friend, Mr. 
Darcy, of Pendleton, Derbyshire. [All bow and curtsy.'] 
Mr. Bennet has been so kind as to call upon us, and we are 
most happy to have the honour of waiting upon the ladies 
of his family. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
We are delighted to see you, I am sure ! Mr. Bingley — 
Mr. Darcy — [Indicating Jane] — my eldest daughter, 
Miss Bennet. [Indicating Elizabeth] — Miss Elizabeth 
Bennet. 

[The girls make low curtsies — the gentlemen bow.] 
Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [The guests and 
ladies seat themselves.] I am sure you must like Nether- 
field, Mr. Bingley. I do not know a place in the country 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 29 

that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting 
it in a hurry, I hope, though you have hut a short lease. 

Bingley. 
Whatever I do is done in a hurry, Mrs. Bennet, and 
therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield I should 
probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, 
[looting intently at Jane] I consider myself as quite 
fixed here. 

Jane. 
It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, 
although you must both miss London. There is so much 
gaiety in London. 

Darcy. 
Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a con- 
fined and unvarying society. 

[Mrs. Bennet holes vexed at this speech.] 

Elizabeth. 
But people themselves alter so much that there is some- 
thing new to be observed in them forever. 

[Darcy turns and looks at Elizabeth with surprise 
and interest.] 

Bingley. 
Then you are a student of character, Miss Elizabeth. It 
must be an amusing study. 



SO PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, Lizzy always likes to watch people. [Looking at 
Darcy.] And there are plenty of people about, even if 
you do live in the country. The country is a vast deal 
pleasanter than London, is not it, Mr. Bingley ? 

BiNGLEY. 

When I am in the country I never wish to leave it, and 
when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have 
each their advantages and I am equally happy in either. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Ay — that is because you have the right disposition. 
[Looking at Darcy.] But that gentleman seemed to think 
the country was nothing at all. 

Elizabeth. 
[Quickly.'] Indeed, mamma, you are mistaken. You 
quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there is 
not such a variety of people to be met with in the country 
as in town, which you must acknowledge to be true. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Certainly, my dear, nobody said there was — but as to 
not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I 
believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we 
dine with four-and-twenty families. 

[As all become embarrassed at this speech, Bingley 
comes to the rescue.'] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 31 

BiNGLEY. 

Yes, there are many fine estates hereabout. Can you 
see Sir William Lucas' place from the garden? I am not 
quite sure I have placed it. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, yes, there is a fine view of the chimneys from the 
terrace. Sir William is our nearest neighbour. Such an 

agreeable man — so genteel, and so easy [Rising, she 

goes toward the glass doors.] Come, Jane, we must show 
Mr. Bingley Sir William's chimneys. 

[Mrs. Bennet, Bingley, and Jane go out upon the 
terrace.'] 

Elizabeth. 
[Smiling mischievously.] Would not you also like to 
see the chimneys, Mr. Darcy? 

Darcy. 
Thank you. Like yourself, I prefer people to places 

Elizabeth. 
Did I say that? 

Darcy. 
Not precisely. But I have drawn that conclusion. 

Elizabeth. 
[Gathering her sewing materials, begins to embroider.] 
Well, I can laugh at people better than places, and I dearly 
love a laugh. 



32 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Darct. 
Isn't that rather a dangerous trait, Miss Bennet? The 
wisest and the best of men may be rendered ridiculous by 
a person whose first object in life is a joke. 

Elizabeth. 
Certainly. But I hope I never ridicule what is wise 
or good. Whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, 
and I laugh at them whenever I can. [Mischievously.'] 
But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without. 

Darcy. 

Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been 
the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often 
expose a strong understanding to ridicule. 

Elizabeth. 
And in your list of weaknesses do you include such 
faults as vanity and pride, for instance ? 

Darcy. 

Yes, vanity is a weakness, indeed, but pride, where there 
is a real superiority of mind — pride will be always under 
good regulation. 

Elizabeth. 
I am perfectly convinced, Mr. Darcy, that you have no 
defect. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 33 

Darcy. 
I have made no such pretension, Miss Bennet. I have 
faults enough. My temper I dare not vouch for. I can- 
not forget the follies and vices of others against myself. 
My good opinion once lost is lost forever. 

Elizabeth. 
That is a failing, indeed. Implacable resentment is 
a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault 
well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me. 

Darcy. 
There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to 
some particular evil — a natural defect which not even the 
best education can overcome. 

Elizabeth. 
And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody. 

Darcy. 
[Smiling.] And yours to wilfully misunderstand them. 
[Voices are heard outside. Elizabeth applies her- 
self to her embroidenj. Bingley, Jane, and Mrs. 
Bennet return from the terrace.] 

Bingley. 

The surrounding country is really charming, Mrs. 
Bennet. 



34 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 



Mrs. Bennet. 
We think so. But you must give us a ball at Nether- 
field, Mr. Bingley, and then you will see that some of the 
people who live here are worth knowing. 

Elizabeth. 
[Distressed.'] Oh, mamma! 



Jane. 



Mamma ! 



Bingley. 
Certainly, Mrs. Bennet. I had already decided upon it. 
I told Mr. Darcy only yesterday that as soon as my sister, 
Miss Bingley, arrived, and Nicholas could make white 
soup enough, I should send out my cards. Did not I, 
Darcy ? 

Darcy. 
[Very stiffly.] I believe you did. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, that is vastly good in you, Mr. Bingley ; and then, 
perhaps, your friend may change his mind about the 
country. [To Darcy.] You didn't come to admire Sir 
William's chimneys, Mr. Darcy. 



Darcy. 
I was admiring your daughter's work, Madam. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 35 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, you should see Jane's work. Lizzy is all for books, 
like her father. She is a great reader and has no pleas- 
ure in anything else. Jane, show your embroidered parrot 
to Mr. Bingley. 

Jane. 
I do not think Mr. Bingley would be interested, ma'am. 

Bingley. 
[Eagerly.] Oh, indeed, I should, Miss Bennet; I am 
very much interested in parrots. — Pray show it to me. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, and the new hand-screen. I will find it for you. 
[All three withdraw, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy 
together.] 

Darcy. 
And so you are a great reader and take no pleasure in 
anything else? 

Elizabeth. 
Mamma does not understand. I deserve neither such 
praise nor such censure. I am not a great reader, and I 
have pleasure in many things. 

Darcy. 
So I should have thought. 



36 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

BlNGLEY. 

[Looking at the screen which he holds in his hand.] 
It is amazing to me how young ladies can have patience 
to be so very accomplished as they are; to think how yon 
all paint tables and cover screens and net purses. It is 
quite wonderful. 

Elizabeth. 
Do you agree with your friend, Mr. Darcy? 

Darcy. 
His list of the common extent of accomplishments has 
too much truth. But I cannot boast of knowing more than 
half a dozen } r oung ladies in the whole range of my ac- 
quaintance that are really accomplished. 

Elizabeth. 
Then you must comprehend a great deal in your idea 
of an accomplished woman. 

Darcy. 
Perhaps. To deserve the word, a woman must have a 
thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, 
and the modern languages. She must also possess a cer- 
tain something in her air and manner of walking — the 
tone of her voice — her address and expression, and to all 
this she must yet add something more substantial — [With 
a little boiv to Elizabeth.] in the improvement of her 
mind by extensive reading. 






PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 37 

Elizabeth. 
[Laughing.] I am no longer surprised at your know^ 
ing only six accomplished women! I rather wonder at 
your knowing any. 

Harris. 
[Enters and announces.] Colonel Forster and Mr. 
Wickham. 

[The gentlemen enter, smiling.] 



Wickham. 
Here I am again, Mrs. Bennet. I found that Colonel 
Forster had a message for the young ladies. 

Mrs. Bennet. 

I am delighted to see you. You are just in time to 

meet our new neighbours. [Introducing the gentlemen.] 

Colonel Forster, Mr. Wickham — Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy. 

[As the gentlemen enter, Mr. Darcy has his bach 

turned to them in conversation with Elizabeth. 

At the sound of Wickham's voice he starts and 

turns so that he faces the latter just in time for the 

introduction. At sight of Darcy, Wickham starts 

and is greatly confused. Darcy stiffens and 

scarcely nods when Wickham is introduced. The 

whole situation is so marked that everyone looks 

on with an astonishment to which Mrs. Bennet 

gives audible expression.] 



38 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, well ! If ever there was a proud, stiff man 

Jane. 
[In a dismayed whisper.] Mamma! 

Bingley. 

[Looking distressed, speaks hurriedly.'] Oh, Mrs. Ben- 
net, I'm sorry that we cannot wait for Mr. Bennet. We — 
we — were on the way to meet my steward — and we are 
already late for the appointment. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Effusively.] I am very sorry you must go, Mr. Bing- 
ley. But I hope you will come again. We must engage 
you soon for dinner. 

Bingley. 
[In an ahsent and worried way.] It will be a pleasure. 
[Then with hows, the party moves toward the door.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Bustling.] Your best way to the paddock is by the 
terrace. 

[The gentlemen have almost reached the glass doors 
when Mr. Collins comes in excitedly, putting him- 
self directly in the way of Bingley and Darcy.] 

Mr. Collins. 
My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have this moment found out 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 39 

by a singular accident that there is now in this room a 
near relation of my patroness Lady Catherine de Bourg. 
Will you present me? 

[He lools enquiringly from one to the other of the 
young men.~\ 

Elizabeth. 
Mr. Bingley, allow me to present my cousin, Mr. Collins 
— Mr. Darcy — Mr. Collins. 

Mr. Collins. 
[Taking almost no notice of Mr. Bingley, he greets Mr. 
Darcy with servile effusion.] My dear sir — I trust you 
will pardon me for not having paid my respects before. 
My total ignorance of your presence here must plead my 
apology. [Looking severely about him at the ladies.'] I 
was not informed of it. Is there any message, sir, which 
I could take from you to my honoured patroness — your 
aunt, or to your fair cousin — Miss de Bourg ? 

Darcy. 
[Stiffly. ] Thank you, I will not trouble you so far. 

Mr. Collins. 
It would be no trouble — but an honour and a privilege. 

Darcy. 
[Disgusted, turns from him to Bingley.] We are al- 
ready very late, Bingley. 



40 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 



BlNGLEY. 

Yes, — we have no time to lose. 

[Darcy and Bingley give passing bows and go out 
by the glass doors. Mr. Collins keeps by Darcy's 
side and, as they pass out of sight, is seen still 
talking to him, to his evident annoyance. All 
the time that the party is bidding good-bye to 
Bingley and Darcy, Wickham has been moodily 
standing by the fireplace. Elizabeth has evidently 
been concerned about him, for throughout the fore- 
going interview with Mr. Collins, she has looked 
at Wickham from time to time.] 



Hill. 
[Enters at the door leading to the hall.] 
to you, Madam? 



May I speak 



Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, Hill, yes. [To the gentlemen.'] Excuse me for a 
moment. I will return directly. [Mrs. Bennet and 
Hill go out.] 

Colonel Forster. 
Oh, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! Your aunt, Mrs. 
Phillips, has sent word by me that her card-party is to be 
on Wednesday. She hopes you will surely be there. 



Elizabeth. 
[In a pre-occupied way, looking towards Wickham.] 
Oh, yes, we shall go. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 41 

Colonel Forster. 
[As he passes the piano, and looking at some music 
which is on the rack.'] Ah ! Here is the song you have 
promised to sing to me. Pray sing it now, Miss Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth. 
Keally, Colonel Forster, you must excuse me for to-day. 
Jane will play for you, instead. 

Jane. 
Indeed, I cannot, Lizzy. 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking meaningly at her.] Please, Jane. 

Colonel Forster. 
Oh, do, I beg — Miss Bennet. 

[All through the following interview between Eliza- 
beth and Wickham, the tinkle of the instrument 
is heard. During their conversation Jane's back 
it turned — also Colonel Forster's as he looks over 
her music — so that Elizabeth and Wickham are 
practically alone. Elizabeth returns to her em- 
broidery. There is an awkward pause for a moment. 
Wickham finally breaks it.] 

Wickham. 
How long has Mr. Darcy been in Hertfordshire, Miss 
Elizabeth ? 



42 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
Only for a very short time, I believe. He comes from 
Derbyshire, I understand, and has a very large property 
there. 

Wickham. 
Yes, his estate is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per 

annum. I am well informed on this head [Hesitates.] 

I have been connected with Mr. Darcy's family in a partic- 
ular manner since my infancy. 

Elizabeth. 
[Surprised.] Indeed? 

Wickham. 
You may well be surprised, Miss Elizabeth, at this asser- 
tion after seeing the very cold manner of our meeting just 
now. [After a pause.] Are you much acquainted with 
Mr. Darcy? 

Elizabeth. 
No. Though I have heard of him, I met him for the 
first time to-day, but even on this short acquaintance I 
should take him to be an ill-tempered man. 

Wickham. 
[As if lie had come to a sudden decision.] Miss Eliza- 
beth, you have been a witness of Mr. Darcy's treatment of 
me to-day, and therefore I feel that I must, for my own 
justification, acquaint you with the facts of my past con- 
nection with him. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 43 

Elizabeth. 
I shall respect your confidence, Mr. Wickham. 

Wickham. 
I am sure of it. [After a short pause.] Mr. Darcy and 
I were born in the same parish. My own father, who, to be 
frank, was steward of the Darcy estates, gave up every- 
thing to serve the interests of the Darcy family. Mr. 
Darcy's father was excessively attached to me : — indeed, I 
was his godson. He meant to provide for me amply, and 
thought he had done so. I was destined for the church 
and Mr. Darcy's father left to me a most valuable living. 
But the present Mr. Darcy chose to ignore his father's will 
and gave the living to another man. This closed for me 
the career for which I was most fitted and left me with 
almost no means of support. 

Elizabeth. 
Good heavens ! But how could that be ? Why did not 
you seek legal redress? 

Wickham. 
There was an informality in the terms of the will which 
gave me no hope from the law. Mr. Darcy's father had 
relied implicitly upon the honour of his son. 

Elizabeth. 
But— this is quite shocking. Mr. Darcy deserves to be 
publicly disgraced! 



44, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

WlCKHAM. 

Sometime or other he will be, but not by me. Till I 
can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him. 

Elizabeth. 
This feeling does you honour. But what can have in- 
duced Mr. Darcy to behave so cruelly ? 

WlCKHAM. 

I must attribute it in some measure to his jealousy. 
His father's uncommon attachment to me irritated him, 
but the fact is, Miss Elizabeth, as you can see, we are very 
different men, and he hates me. 

Elizabeth. 
His disposition must be dreadful. 

WlCKHAM. 

I will not trust myself on that subject. 

Elizabeth. 
To treat in such a manner the godson — the friend — the 
favourite of his father! How abominable! 

WlCKHAM. 

And yet, Miss Elizabeth, we must try to be just to him. 
Mr. Darcy has many good quaities. He can be both liberal 
and generous. He has also a brother's affection and pride 
which makes him a careful guardian of his sister. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 45 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, he has a sister? 

WlCKHAM. 

Yes. You will hear him cried up as the most attentive 
and best of brothers. Oh, Mr. Darcy can please when he 
chooses. Among those who are his equals he is a very 
different man from what he is to the less prosperous. 

Elizabeth. 
Contemptible ! 

Colonel Forster. 
[Interrupting.] Wickham! 

WlCKHAM. 

[Starting.'} Yes, Colonel Forster. 

Colonel Forster. 
I fear we must be going. 

WlCKHAM. 

[Hurriedly to Elizabeth.'] Thank you for listening to 
me. It is hard to be misjudged. 

Elizabeth. 
Thank you for your confidence. It is well to know the 
truth. 



46 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Colonel Forster. 
Well, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall see you all at your 
aunt's on Wednesday. Good morning. [To Jane.] 
Good morning, Miss Bennet. Thank } r ou for the music. 
Please present my respects to Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry 
that we cannot wait longer. 

WlCKHAM. 

[Effusively.] Yes, Miss Bennet, be sure to give your 
mother my best regards. Good morning — [All bow and 
curtsy. As he is leaving he speaks aside.] Oh, Miss 
Elizabeth, may I entreat 

Elizabeth. 
You may depend upon my sympathy. 

WlCKHAM. 

[Looking at her with an understanding smile.] I am 
most grateful. 

[The gentlemen go out of the door. Jane and Eliza- 
beth go into the recess and look from the window. 
There is a short pause.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Enters, flurried, and looks about her.] Well, have 
they gone? 

[Mr. Collins enters through the glass doors at the 
center. He sees Mrs. Bennet.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 47 

Mr. Collins. 
Oh, Madam, I am just returned from attending on 
Mr. Darcy. Such a privilege! He was most condescend- 
ing. I was able to tell him that Lady Catherine was very 
well on Saturday sennight. He is very like Lady Cath- 
erine. I am sure you must have been impressed by his 
distinguished manners. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, really, Mr. Collins ! 

[A titter is heard from the recess where the girls are 
seated, and then Jane's voice.] 

Jane. 

Oh, Lizzy, hush ! 

Mr. Collins. 
[Hearing this, turns and discovers the two girls. Then 
he speaks to Mrs. Bennet with lowered voice, as if an idea 
had just come to him.] This meeting is most opportune. 
Will you kindly step this way for a moment? [He draivs 
Mrs. Bennet aside.] May I hope, Madam, for your in- 
terest with you fair daughter Jane, in the matter on 
which we were speaking yesterday? I would solicit the 
honour of a private audience with her this morning. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Certainly, Mr. Collins. [Hesitating.] But there have 
been some changes since then. Some things have hap- 



48 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A TLAY 

pened — I think it is right you should know, that — that 
Jane is very likely to be soon engaged. [Encouragingly.] 
But there is Elizabeth. I cannot take it upon myself to 
say — I cannot possibly answer — but I do not know of any 
prepossession in her case, and I am sure she can have no 
objection to listen to you. 

[Mrs. Bennet goes to the fire and stirs it.] 

Mr. Collins. 
[As soon as she has finished.] Then Miss Elizabeth 
let it be, Madam. I was struck by her attitude of respect- 
ful awe when I mentioned the Lady Catherine de Bonrg. 
Such modesty and humility of mind cannot but recom- 
mend her to my patroness. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Looking rather astonished at this last speech, hut re- 
covering herself.] Yes, my daughter Elizabeth knows 
what is proper. She will be very happy to listen to you. 
Shall I call her now? 

Mr. Collins. 
I think, Madam, there should be no further loss of time, 
as my leave of absence extends only to the coming Satur- 
day. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Very well — [She goes to the recess where the two girls 
are talking together.] Jane, I want you upstairs. Lizzy, 
Mr. Collins has something he wishes to say to you. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 49 

Elizabeth. 
[Suspicious and dismayed.'] Dear ma'am, Mr. Collins 
must excuse me. I was just going away myself. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Now, no nonsense, Lizzy ! I desire you will stay. Mr. 
Collins has something very particular to say to you. [As 
Elizabeth tries to escape.'] Lizzy, I insist upon your stay- 
ing and hearing Mr. Collins. Come, Jane — [Mrs. Ben- 
net and Jane go out.] 

Mr. Collins. 
[Approaching Elizabeth, who docs not move from the 
place where her mother left her.] Believe me, my dear 
Miss Elizabeth, your modesty so far from doing you any 
disservice rather adds to your other perfections. But allow 
me to assure you that I have your respected mother's per- 
mission for this address. [He escorts Elizabeth with 
clumsy gallantry to the sofa, then brings a chair and 
seats himself opposite to her. Elizabeth has recovered 
herself sufficiently to begin to enjoy the humour of the 
situation.] My fair cousin, you must have at least sur- 
mised that I am about to ask you to become the companion 
of my life. And perhaps I had better begin by stating my 
reasons for this decision before I am run away with by my 
feelings on this subject. [Elizabeth is so overcome with 
laughter at this idea that she can hardly speak, or keep a 
decent countenance.] 



50 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, I beg, Mr. Collins 

Mr. Collins. 
One moment. My reasons for marrying are, first, — 
that I think it a right thing for every clergyman to set the 
example of matrimony to his parish; second, I am con- 
vinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; third, it 
is the particular advice of that very noble lady whom I 
have the honour of calling patroness. 

Elizabeth. 
[With more command of her voice.] Believe me, Mr. 
Collins 

Mr. Collins. 
Excuse me — one moment. It remains only to be told 
why my views were directed to Longbourn instead of to 
my own neighbourhood. The fact is that, being as I am to 
inherit this estate after the death of your father (who, how- 
ever, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy my- 
self without resolving to choose a wife from among his 
daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as 
possible, when the melancholy event took place. This has 
been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it 
will not sink me in your esteem. 

Elizabeth. 
Mr. Collins, — I 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 51 

Mr. Collins. 
[Rising and approaching nearer to Elizabeth.] Still 
one moment more ! And now nothing remains for me but 
to assure you, in the most animated language, of the 
violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly in- 
different, and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous 
reproach on that score shall ever pass my lips when we are 
married. 

Elizabeth. 
[Rising in her turn.] You are too hasty, sir! You 
forget that I have made no answer. Accept my thanks 
for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensi- 
ble of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for 
me to do otherwise than decline them. 

Mr. Collins. 
[With another formal wave of the hand.'] I am not 
unmindful of the fact that sometimes a young lady's re- 
fusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am, 
therefore, by no means discouraged by what you have just 
said, and I shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long. 

Elizabeth. 
Upon my word, sir, your hope is rather an extraordinary 
one after my declaration ! You must pay me the compli- 
ment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy, and 
very rich, and, by refusing your hand, do all in my power 



52 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

to prevent your being otherwise. This matter may be con- 
sidered, therefore, as definitely settled. 

[She is about to leave the room ivlien Mr. Collins 
detains her.] 

Mr. Collixs. 
One moment. When I do myself the honour of speak- 
ing to you next on this subject, I shall hope to receive a 
more favourable answer. 



Elizabeth. 
[Becoming angry.'] Really, Mr. Collins, you puzzle me 
exceedingly. I know not how to express my refusal in 
such a way as may convince you of its being one. 

Mr. Collins. 
You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, 
that your refusals of my address are merely words, of 
course. I shall choose to attribute them to your wish of 
increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual 
practice of elegant females. 

Elizabeth. 
[Very decidedly.] Please do not consider me now as an 
'elegant female'; I would rather be paid the compliment 
of being believed sincere. To accept your proposal is 
absolutely impossible. Can I speak plainer? 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 53 

Mr. Collins. 
[IVith awl-ward gallantry.] You are uniformly charm- 
ing; but I am persuaded that when my proposals are 
sanctioned by both your parents they will not fail of being 
acceptable. Meanwhile I may perhaps best serve my cause 
by leaving you to consider the matter by yourself for a 
while. 

[He hows and withdraws to the door. Elizabeth 
with a gesture as if she gave the whole matter up 
in despair, and yet half amused, goes to the fireplace. 
Just as Mr. Collins reaches the door Mrs. Ben- 
net opens it.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 

Well, Mr. Collins, are we to congratulate each other? 
[Looking doubtfully at Elizabeth.] Has all gone as you 
could wish? 

Mr. Collixs. 

I have every reason to be satisfied, Madam. My cousin 
has indeed steadily refused this, my first offer, and with 
considerable warmth, but this refusal would naturally flow 
from her bashful modesty. With your influence behind 
me, I have no doubt of my ultimate success. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, you may depend upon me, Mr. Collins. I will 
speak to Lizzy myself directly. She is a very headstrong, 
foolish girl and does not know her own interest. But I 
will make her know it. 



54 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mr. Collins. 
[Alarmed.'] Pardon me, Madam, but if she is really 
headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would al- 
together be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation. 
If, therefore, Miss Elizabeth persists in rejecting my suit, 
perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Alarmed in her turn.] Sir, you quite misunderstand 
me. Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. 
In everything else she is as good-natured a girl as ever 
lived. Let me see her alone for a moment. That will be 
the best. 

Mr. Collins. 
But Madam— I 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Almost forcing Mr. Collins out of the room.] Oh, I 
shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure. [Mr. Collins 
goes out. Mrs. Bennet goes quickly to Elizabeth.] 
Lizzy, what is the meaning of all this ? Have you refused 
Mr. Collins? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, mamma, but please listen 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Angrily.] No, I will not listen. I tell you what, Miss 
Lizzy, if you take it into your head to go on refusing every 
offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 55 

at all. I am going at once to the library and speak to your 
father. You will listen to him perhaps. 

[Mrs. Bennet starts to go when she sees Mr. Bennet 
outside passing the glass doors. He is just return- 
ing from his walk and carries a booh under his 
arm.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, there he is now! [She runs to the door, and opens 
it.] Oh, Mr. Bennet — Mr. Bennet! [Mr. Bennet turns. 
Mrs. Bennet runs out, takes him by the arm., and tries to 
pull him into the room by main force. Mr. Bennet, 
puzzled, submits.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 

[While she draws Mr. Bennet into the room.] Oh, 
Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately. We are all in an 
uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Col- 
lins, for she vows she will not have him, and, if you do 
not make haste, Mr. Collins will change his mind and not 
have her. 

Mr. Bennet. 

I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what 
are you talking? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy ! Lizzy declares she will not 
have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not 
have Lizzy. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Lizzy? I thought it was Jane. 



56 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
No — no — It's Lizzy now! 

Mr. Bennet. 
Ah ! And what am I to do on the occasion ? It seems 
a hopeless business. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [Pointing to Eliza- 
beth at the fireplace] Tell her that you insist upon her 
marrying him. 

Mr. Bennet. 
[Turning to Elizabeth.] Come here, child. [Eliza- 
beth goes to her father.] This is an affair of importance. 
I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of 
marriage. Is this true ? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes — papa — it — is. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Very well — and this offer of marriage you have refused. 

Elizabeth. 
I have, sir. 

Mr. Bennet. 
We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon 
your accepting him. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet? 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 57 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, or I will never see her again! 

Mr. Bennet. 

An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From 
this day, you must be a stranger to one of your parents. 
Your mother will never see you again, if you do not marry 
Mr. Collins ; and I will never see you again if you do. 



ACT II 



ACT II 

The Conservatory or Orangery at Nether-field. On one 
side, an archway, approached by two or three steps 
and hung with curtains, separates the Orangery from 
the ball-room. On the opposite side is a smaller 
archway with curtains, which are looped back, giving 
a glimpse of the drawing-room beyond. There is 
another door on the right. Bingley is discovered di- 
recting two Footmen, who are putting a bench in 
place. Darcy stands watching him. 

Bingley. 
A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push 
those lights farther back — behind the trees. Yes, that is 
better. [Looking about him.] I think that is all. You 
may go. [The men leave the room.] Well, Darcy, do 
you approve of the arrangements? Have you anything to 
suggest? Any criticisms? 

Darcy. 
I have no criticisms for the arrangements. 

Bingley. 
[Laughing.] But you have for the ball. Yes, I know 
— still I was really obliged to keep my promise. 

61 



62 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Darcy. 

I am glad to find that a promise is with you an obliga- 
tion. 

Bingley. 

Oh, come, Darcy! I understand. Set your mind at 
rest. I am going to London with you, although I must 
say I do not see the necessity for it. I think you are 
exaggerating the effect of any small attentions of mine to- 
ward Miss Bennet. However, we will cling together, and 
fly a common danger. 

Darcy. 
[Coldly.] Common danger? 

Bingley. 

[Smiling. ~\ Yes, common danger! I, too, have eyes. 
Where will you match the wit and vivacity of Miss Eliza- 
beth Bennet? 

Darcy. 

[Quietly.'] She is indeed charming, and I admit that 
were it not for the inferiority of her connections, I might 
be in some danger. [Very coolly and confidently.] But 
they form, for me, an insurmountable barrier against any 
possible peril. 

Bingley. 

Love laughs at bars, Darcy! [Darcy looks annoyed.] 

No, — I won't! It really is not fair, since it is my fault. 

You would never have been put to this test if you hadn't 

been so good as to stay on here with me after that 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY CS 

[Stopping suddenly, and ivith an entire change from his 
former bantering tone, he says in a hesitating manner.'] 
Darcy, do you really think you should be silent about 
Wickham ? 

Darcy. 
[Haughtily.] Decidedly! I do not choose to lay my 
private affairs before the world. 

Bingley. 
But the fellow is sailing under false colours. You do 
not know what the result may be. I really must speak of 
this again, Darcy, even at the risk of offending you. 
[Darcy makes an impatient gesture.] I am truly con- 
cerned at the foothold this rascal has already gained in the 
Bennet family. What he has failed to accomplish once 
he may succeed in again. These young ladies have no 
brother to defend them. 

Darcy. 
Neither have they the wealth to excite Wickham's cupid- 
ity. At any rate I do not wish to be the one to enlighten 
the neighbourhood. Besides, I understand that he has left 
Meryton. 

Bingley. 

Even so — I [He is interrupted by Miss Bingley, 

who enters gaily from the drawing-room.] 

Miss Bingley. 
Ah! Here you are! [To Darcy.] Will you be so 



64 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

kind? [She holds out her arm for him to clasp her brace- 
let.'] Your sister Georgiana should be here, Mr. Darcy. 
[To her brother.] Charles, you should have insisted on 
her coming. 

BlNGLEY. 

I am not in the habit of insisting with Darcy. 

Miss Bingley. 
[Laughingly.] Very true. [To Darcy, who has at 
length succeeded in fastening the bracelet.] Thank you. 
[Looking about her.] It is vastly pretty, Charles, but I 
am much mistaken if there are not some among us to 
whom a ball will be rather a punishment than a pleasure. 

Bingley. 
[Laughing.] If you mean Darcy, he may go to bed, if 

he pleases, before it begins. 

Miss Bingley. 
But, Charles, it would certainly be more rational if con- 
versation instead of dancing were made the order of the 
day. 

Bingley. 
Much more rational, my dear Caroline, but it would not 
be near so much like a ball. 

Martin, the Footman. 
[Entering, to Bingley.] Several of the carriages have 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 65 

arrived, sir, and the guests will soon be entering the ball- 
room. 

BiNGLEY. 

[To the Footman.] Very well. [To Miss Bingley.] 
Come Caroline, we must be at our post. We will leave 
Darcy to make up his mind whether he will join us later. 
[Bingley and his sister disappear through the arch- 
way hading to the ball-room. Darcy does not fol- 
low them, but walks thoughtfully up and down the 
room. The sound of a voice is heard announcing.'] 

The Voice. 

Mrs. Long — the Miss Longs. [A pause.] Colonel Fors- 

ter and Mr. Denny. [A pause.] Mr. and Mrs. Goulding. 

[A pause.] Mrs. Bennet — the Miss Bennets. [Darcy 

stops in his walk and goes toward the ball-room archway — 

then he walks once more up and down.] Mrs. King — Miss 

King. [Darcy again moves toward the ball-room; he 

lifts the curtain, hesitates — looks in — then disappears.] 

Sir William and Lady Lucas — Miss Lucas — Mr. Robinson. 

[The music now begins, the stage is left empty. After 

a short pause, Elizabeth and Charlotte appear 

between the curtains of the ball-room archway.] 

Charlotte. 
[Peeps in — then enters.] Isn't this pretty! Come in 
here for a moment, Eliza. I want to tell you something. 



66 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
[Following her.'] Why did I promise to dance with 
Mr. Darcy just now ! Why did not I have more presence 
of mind ! 

[They sit on the tench together while they talk; the 
guests, at the bach, pass to and from the drawing- 
room and ball-room, and the sound of music is 
heard faintly.] 

Charlotte. 
I dare say you will find him very agreeable. 

Elizabeth. 
Heaven forbid ! That would be the greatest misfortune 
of all. To find a man agreeable whom one is determined 
to hate ! Do not wish me such an evil. 

Charlotte. 
I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry be- 
cause Wickham is not here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy 
for him to make me unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten 
times his consequence. 

Elizabeth. 
My fancy for Wickham, as you choose to call it, is simply 
my sympathy for a most ill-used man: also the relief of 
meeting with good manners and a good understanding 
after the insufferable pride of Mr. Darcy, and the stupid 
pomposity of that dreadful Mr. Collins! [Charlotte 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 67 

starts.] Oh, my dear Charlotte, I have never thanked you 
half enough for helping us to endure that man. It was 
so good-natured in you to sacrifice yourself by listening to 
those interminable speeches of his. — I am more obliged 
to you than I can express. But oh, what a relief it is to 
know that he is really gone ! 

Charlotte. 
[TWto has listened to all this tirade in increasing em- 
barrassment'] Oh, don't ! Don't, Eliza ! You are mak- 
ing it so terribly hard for me. But, — but I must tell you. 
— I am engaged to Mr. Collins! 

[Elizabeth is stupefied with surprise and looks at 
Charlotte for a moment in silent and incredulous 
amazement. Then with difficulty she speaks.] 

Elizabeth. 
Engaged! Engaged to — to Mr. Collins! Oh, my dear 
Charlotte — impossible! [Hopefully.] You are joking! 

Charlotte. 
[With spirit.] No, indeed, Eliza, I am in most serious 
earnest. Why should you be so surprised? Do you think 
it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any 
woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to 
succeed with you? 

Elizabeth. 
[Confused.] Oh, no — no — of course not. And, — and 



68 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

you must forgive all I have just said. I couldn't possibly 
have imagined 

Charlotte. 
[More sweetly.'] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. 
[She puts her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.] And we 
shall be friends still ? 

Elizabeth. 
Why, of course, of course, dear Charlotte. It was only 
the — the surprise. You know how fond I am of you. 
You know I wish you all imaginable happiness. 

Charlotte. 

Yes, I am sure of it. You must be surprised — very 
much surprised, so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to 
marry you. But, dear Eliza, when you have had time to 
think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I 
have done. I am not romantic. I ask only a comfort- 
able home, and, considering Mr. Collins' situation in life, 
I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is 
as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage 
state. 

Elizabeth. 

[In an absent manner.] Undoubtedly. 

Charlotte. 
[Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully.] 
And you will come to visit me sometimes? I could not 
bear to lose you, Eliza ! 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 69 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking up, and patting Charlotte's hand.] Surely, 
Charlotte ! [Smiling.] We are to be cousins, you know. 

Charlotte. 
[Cheerfully.] Why, so we are! 

[Colonel Forster comes from the ball-room. Lydia 
and Denny enter from the drawing-room.] 

Colonel Forster. 
[Hurriedly going to Charlotte.] I am to have the 
honour of this reel, I believe, Miss Lucas. 

Charlotte. 
Oh yes, Colonel Forster. 

[She goes out with Forster, leaving Elizabeth alone, 
still seated. Lydia and Denny approach Eliza- 
beth.] 

Lydia. 
I think we are being treated abominably ill, Lizzy ! It 
seems that Mr. Wickham has gone off on business some- 
where, so he will not be here at all. [Lydia tools off to- 
icard the ball-room.] 

Denny. 
[Aside to Elizabeth significantly.] I do not imagine 
his business would have called him away just now if he 
had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman. 

Lydia. 
[Suddenly.'] Why, Mr. Denny— I do believe the reel is 



70 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

half over — I dearly love a reel! We shall miss it, alto- 
gether. Come! [She drags Denny off.] 

Elizabeth. 
[Alone.'] Well ! Well ! The world is surely upside 
down. Charlotte and — Collins ! What a match ! 

Darcy. 
[Approaching from the ball-room.] Do not you feel a 
great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportun- 
ity of dancing a reel ? 

[Elizabeth makes no answer.] 
Do not you enjoy the reel, Miss Bennet ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking up.] Oh, I heard you before, but I could not 
immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted 
me, I know, to say — " Yes," that you might have the 
pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in 
overthrowing that kind of scheme. I have therefore made 
up my mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a 
reel at all; and now despise me, if you dare! 

Darcy. 
[Smiling.] I do not dare. 

[Miss Bingley enters from the hall-room with an 
officer. They talk together.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 71 

Colonel Forster. 
[Entering from the ball-room, and looking about him, 
sees Elizabeth and comes to her.] May I have the hon- 
our, Miss Bennet? 

Elizabeth. 
I do not dance the reel, Colonel Forster. 

Colonel Forster. 
Oh, the reel is over. This is our dance. 

Elizabeth. 
Oh! 

[She goes off with Colonel Forster. Darcy remains 
where Elizabeth leaves him and watches her till 
she disappears into the ball-room. The officer bows 
and leaves Miss Bingley.] 

Miss Bingley. 
[Approaching Darcy.] I can guess the subject of your 
reverie. 

Darcy. 
I should imagine not. 

Miss Bingley. 
You are considering how insufferable it would be to pass 
many evenings in such society. Indeed, I am quite of 
your opinion. I was never more annoyed. The insipidity 



72 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

and yet the noise; — the nothingness and yet the self-im- 
portance of all these people ! What would I give to hear 
your strictures on them ! 

Darcy. 
Your conjecture is totally wrong. I assure you, my 
mind was more agreeably engaged. I was meditating on 
the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face 
of a pretty woman can bestow. 

Miss Bixgley. 
[Looking at him very meaningly and sweetly, speaks with 
coquetry.'] Indeed ! And will not you tell me what lady 
has the credit of inspiring such reflections ? 

Darcy. 
[With great intrepidity.] Miss Elizabeth Bennet. 

Miss Bixgley. 
[Taken aback.] Miss Elizabeth Bennet ! I am all as- 
tonishment ! How long has she been such a favourite ? 
Pray when am I to wish you joy ? 

Darcy. 
THat is exactly the question which I expected you to 
ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid: it jumps from 
admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment. 
I knew you would be wishing me joy. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 73 

Miss Bingley. 
Nay, if you are so serious about it I shall consider the 
matter as absolutely settled. You will have a charming 
mother-in-law ! Of course she will always be at Pemberley 
with you. Perhaps you might give her a few hints as to 
the advantage of holding her tongue. 

Darcy. 
Thank you. Have you anything else to propose for my 
domestic felicity? 

Miss Bingley. 
Oh, yes! Let the portrait of your uncle, the attorney, 
be placed next to your great uncle, the Judge. They are 
in the same profession, you know, only in different lines. 
As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not attempt to 
have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those 
beautiful eyes! 

Darcy. 
It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression; 
but their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remark- 
ably fine, might be copied. 

Miss Bingley. 

[Sarcastically.'] Oh, I fear not— [Elizabeth and 

Colonel Forster, with others, enter from the ball-room — 

Mrs. Bennet with Lady Lucas from the drawing-room.'] 

Here comes the fair one — [Seeing Mrs. Bennet.] — and 



74 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

mamma-in-law as well. I will not intrude on the family 

party. 

[She goes off laughing and mingles with the guests. 
Colonel Forster boivs and haves Elizabeth with 
her mother. Bingley enters with Jane from the 
drawing-room. He sees Darcy, who is standing 
where Miss Bingley left him, and comes to him. 

Bingley. 
I thought this next dance was the one you liked so much, 
Darcy. Let me find you a partner. 

Darcy. 
[Starting, as if from a reverie.'] So it is. Thank you — 
I have a partner. 

[lie goes to Elizabeth, hows, and they go into the 
hull-room together. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Long 
follow them.] 

Bingley. 
[Looking after Darcy with a smile, turns to Jane.] 
You must be tired, Miss Bennet. I propose that we sit 
quietly through this dance. Do you agree? 

Jane. 

Yes, indeed. [She sits on the bench.] It will be very 
pleasant. [Looking about her.] How very prettily you 
have arranged all the rooms, Mr. Bingley. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 75 

BlXGLEY. 

I am so glad you think so. I feared they were rather 
inconvenient for so large a party. 

Jane. 
Oh, I find them delightful ! 

BlNGLEY. 

You are always charitable, Miss Bennet. It seems to 
me you always manage to see the best side of everything. 
I never knew you to say an ill word about a person or a 
place. 

Jane. 
[Smiling.'] Oh, I fear that is not quite exact. I only 
try to see things in their best light, perhaps. 

BlNGLEY. 

That is just it. The rest of us rarely try to see things 
in that way. So you see I have proved my case. You are 
too amiable. 

Jane. 
Not for to-night, Mr. Bingley. Everybody is of one 
mind to-night. There is but one point of view— you are 
giving nothing but pleasure. 

Bingley. 
[Soberly. ] I wish it were so— but [With impulsive 



76 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

earnestness.'] Dear Miss Bennet, I wish to tell you — I 

must tell you 

[He is interrupted by the people coming in again 
from the dance. Darcy and Elizabeth enter 
with Sir William Lucas and others. BingleY 
and Jane rise from their seats and walk slowly to- 
ward the bach of the room. Darcy escorts Eliza- 
beth to a seat and stands by her. They arc both 
silent for a moment.'] 

Elizabeth. 
It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I 
talked about the dance, and yon ought to make some kind of 
remark on the size of the rooms, or the number of couples. 

Darcy. 
[Smiling. ~\ I assure you I will say whatever you wish. 

Elizabeth. 
Very well, that reply will do for the present. Perhaps 
by and by I may observe that private balls are much 
pleasanter than public ones. 

Darcy. 
Do you talk by rule then ? 

Elizabeth. 

Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know, — and 
yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be 
so arranged that they may have the trouble of saying 
as little as possible. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 77 

Darcy. 
Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, 
or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Archly.'] Both, for I have always seen a great similar- 
ity in the turn of our minds; we are each of an unsocial, 
taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect 
to say something that will amaze the whole room and be 
handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb. 

Darcy. 
This is no very striking resemblance of your own char- 
acter, I am sure. How near it may be to mine, I cannot 
pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait, un- 
doubtedly. 

Elizabeth. 
I shall not decide on my own performance. [There is a 
short silence; then, as if with an effort, Elizabeth speaks.] 
I am surprised not to see Mr. Wickham here to-night. I 
find that he is a great favourite with the officers. He has 
made many friends among them. 

Darcy. 
[With great hauteur.] Mr. Wickham is blessed with 
such happy manners as may insure his making friends; 
whether he may be equally capable of retaining them is less 
certain. 



78 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
[Excitedly.] He has been so unlucky as to lose your 
friendship, and in a manner which he is likelv to suffer 
from all his life. 

[They are both silent.] 

Sir William Lucas. 
[Coming up to them all urbanity and smiles.] What a 
charming amusement for young people this dancing is. Mr. 
Darcy! I consider it as one of the first refinements of 
polished societies. 

Darcy. 
Certainly, sir, and it has the advantage also of being in 
vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world: 
every savage can dance. 

Sir William. 
[Smiling.] Do you often dance at St. James? 

Darcy. 

Never, sir. 

Sir William. 
You have a house in town, I conclude. 
[Mr. Darcy bows, but does not speak.] 

Sir William. 
I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself: but 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 79 

I did not feel quite certain that the air of London would 
agree with Lady Lucas. 

[Mr. Darcy bows in silence again — Elizabeth is 
amused.'] 

Sir William. 
But I must not further interrupt you, sir ! I only wish 
to tell you once more how highly gratified I have been by 
your superior dancing; allow me also to say that your fair 
partner does not disgrace you. It is a great pleasure to see 
you together. I must hope to — to have this pleasure often 
repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear 
Miss Eliza, [Glancing at Bingley and Jane, who are talk- 
ing earnestly together at the back of the scene.] shall take 
place. What congratulations will then flow in : but let me 
not interrupt you — you will not thank me, Mr. Darcy, for 
detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young 
lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me! 

Darcy. 
[Murmurs to himself.] So! [Loohing earnestly at 
Bingley and Jane, he seems much impressed by what 
Sir William has said. Elizabeth notices this. Recov- 
ering himself, Darcy turns to her again.] Sir William's 
interruption has made me forget what we were talking of. 

Elizabeth. 
I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William 
could not have interrupted any two people who had less to 



80 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 



say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects al- 
ready without success, and what we are to talk of next, I 
cannot imagine. 

Darcy. 
[Smiling.'] What think you of books? 

Elizabeth. 
Books ? Oh no : I am sure we never read the same, or 
not with the same feelings. 

Darcy. 
T am sorry you think so, but if that be the case, there can 
at least be no want of subject. We may compare our dif- 
ferent opinions of them. 

Elizabeth. 
No, I cannot talk of books at a ball — my head is always 
full of something else. 

Darcy. 

The present always occupies you in such scenes, does it? 



Elizabeth. 
[In an absent manner.] Yes, always. [Suddenly.] I 
remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly 
ever forgave; that your resentment once created was un- 
appeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its be- 
ing created? 

Daroy. 
[Firmly.] I am. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 81 

Elizabeth. 
And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice ? 

Daroy. 
I hope not. 

Elizabeth. 
It is particularly incumbent on those who never change 
their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first. 

Darct. 
May I ask to what these questions lead ? 

Elizabeth. 
Merely to the illustration of your character. I am try- 
ing to make it out. 

Darcy. 
And what is your success? 

Elizabeth. 
[Shaking her head.] I do not get on at all. I hear 
such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly. 

Darcy. 
[Gravely.'] I can readily believe that reports may vary 
greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, 
that you were not to sketch my character at the present 
moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance 
would reflect no credit on either. 



82 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
But if I do not take your likeness now I may never have 
another opportunity. 

Darcy. 
[Very stiffly. 1 I would by no means suspend any pleas- 
ure of yours. 

[Miss Bingley enters from the hall-room. She 
comes directly to Darcy and Elizabeth.] 

Miss Bingley. 
Oh, Mr. Darcy — would you be so good as to go to 
Charles? He wishes very much to consult with you about 
some of the table arrangements. You will find him in the 
dining-parlour. [With exaggerated politeness to Eliza- 
beth.] That is, if Miss Bennet will permit you. 

Elizabeth. 
[Carelessly.'] Oh, certainly. 
[Darcy bows and goes out.] 

Miss Bingley. 
[To Elizabeth, after a moment's silence.] So, Miss 
Bennet, I hear that you are quite delighted with George 
Wickham. He must have told you all a pretty tale. As 
to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false. I do 
not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wick- 
ham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. 
His coming into the county at all is a most insolent thing. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 83 

I feel very strongly on this point, Miss Bennet, as Mr. 
Darcy's interests are so intimately associated with our 
own. [She watches Elizabeth.] We hope Miss Georgi- 
ana Darcy may some day be my sister. My brother ad- 
mires her greatly. 

Elizabeth. 
[With indifference.'] Ah! 

Miss Bingley. 
Yes, and therefore we resent these falsehoods and this 
presumption on the part of George Wickham. But, really, 
considering his descent, we could not expect much better. 
He has evidently forgotten to tell you that he is the son 
of old Wickham, steward to the late Mr. Darcy. 

Elizabeth. 
[Angrily.] His guilt and his descent appear by your 
account to be the same. I have heard you accuse him 
of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Oarer's stew- 
ard, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself. 

Miss Bingley. 
[With a sneer.] Oh! I beg your pardon. Excuse my 
interference; it was kindly meant. 
[She goes out.] 

Elizabeth. 
Insolent girl! Yon are much mistaken if you expect 



84 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

to influence me by such a paltry attack at this. I see 
nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice 
of Mr. Darcy. 

[Footmen now come in with small tables, which they 

place about the stage. Bingley comes in and 

directs them. Darcy folloivs him.'] 

Bingley. 
[To Elizabeth, Jane, his sister, and others who have 
entered.] I thought it would be pleasant to have some of 
the tables here. [To Jane.] We must have places to- 
gether. 

[With some bustle, all seat themselves. At the table- 
on one side are seated Darcy, Elizabeth, Bing- 
ley and Jane: A little behind them are Miss 
Bingley with Colonel Forster, Charlotte 
Lucas with an officer. At the table on the opposite 
side is Mrs. Bennet with Sir William and Lady 
Lucas. Behind them are more tables at which other 
guests are seated.] 

Lydia. 
[Entering with Denny, much excited, goes to Mrs. 
Bennet.] Mamma, have you heard the news? Mr. Denny 
has just told me that the regiment is to leave Meryton, and 
go to Brighton ! Good heavens ! What is to become of us, 
mamma? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Sympathetically.'] Are they really going? Well, my 
love, it is too bad! I know how you feel. I am sure I 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 85 

cried for two days together when Colonel Millar's regi- 
ment went away, five-and-twenty years ago. I thought I 
should have broken my heart. 

Lydia. 
I am sure I shall break mine. [C oaxingly .] Mamma, 
might we not all go to Brighton? 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, if we only could ! But I fear your father will not 
hear of it. 

Lydia. 
Oh, papa is so disagreeable! I am sure a little sea- 
bathing would set me up forever ! Wouldn't it, Mr. Denny? 

Denny. 
Surely, Miss Lydia. Oh, you must manage it in some 
way. 

[They move off and take their places at one of the 
tables.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Looking after them.] Well, Lady Lucas, it is hard 
for a lively young girl like my Lydia to be cooped up in 
a place where there is so little going on. However, [Look- 
ing at Bingley and Jane.] we are not likely to have it 
so very dull in the future. [In a loud whisper to Lady 
Lucas.] You know what I mean — [Nudging her and 
laughing.] Jane and Bingley! 



86 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Lady Lucas. 
Ah! Indeed! 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[With importance and in a still louder tone.~\ Oh, yes! 
It's quite settled. Such a charming young man — and 
Netherfield only three miles from Longbourn ! And Jane's 
marrying will be a fine thing for my other girls. They 
will be sure to meet other rich men who will fall in love 
with them. 

Elizabeth. 
[Who has heard the oeginning of this conversation, 
makes a pretext to go to arrange her mother s scarf and says 
in low tones.] Oh, mamma! Be careful, I beg. Mr. 
Darcy can hear you! 

Mrs. Bennet. 
What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid 
of him ? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility 
as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear ! 

Elizabeth. 
[In distress.] For heaven's sake, Madam, speak lower ! 
What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? 
You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so 
doing. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
That is enough, Lizzy ! I think I can take care of my- 
self. I never knew before that it was a crime to speak 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 87 

to one's friends about what everybody can see plainly 
enough, who has eyes in his head. [Turning to Sir Wil- 
liam.] Did you, Sir William? 

Sir William. 
[Smiling..'] Our friends usually have very sharp eyes 
for what is going on, Mrs. Bennet! [Significantly.] I 
have, indeed, sometimes expected that you would observe 
what has been going on in our own household of late. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Sharply.] Going on? What has been going on, Sir 
William? 

Sir William. 
[With an important air.] It is only this, Mrs. Bennet, 
that Lady Lucas and myself have to ask your congratula- 
tions on our very great satisfaction in the recent engage- 
ment of our daughter, Charlotte. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Charlotte ! Engaged ! Why, who in the world is going 
to marry her? 

[Sir William draws himself up with offended dig- 
nity; Lady Lucas bridles.] 

Sir William. 
The gentleman whom my daughter has honoured with 
her hand is your husband's cousin — Mr. Collins! 



88 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Rising in rage and amazement.'] Mr. Collins ! Marry 
your Charlotte? Good Lord, Sir William, how can you 
tell such a story! Do not you know that Mr. Collins is 
going to marry my Lizzy — or — or one of my other girls ! 

Lady Lucas. 
Well, really, Mrs. Bennet ! 

Sir William. 
[Offended.] What I have told you is quite true, never- 
theless, Mrs. Bennet. The whole matter was settled before 
Mr. Collins returned to Hunsford. I am sorry we are not 
to receive your good wishes. 

Elizabeth. 
[Hastily.'] Oh, but you are, Sir William ! Charlotte 
has already told me all about her engagement, and we shall 
be most happy to welcome her as a cousin. 

Sir William. 
[Mollified and with gallantry.] Thank you, Miss 
Elizabeth ! I am sure other congratulations will shortly 
be in order. 

[He glances significantly at Darcy; Elizabeth draws 
herself up. Sir William, smiling, makes a little 
tow and then turns to the table, where he and Lady 
Lucas busy themselves with their supper.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 89 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[To Elizabeth.] So Charlotte has told you, has she? 
I don't believe a word of it ! 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, mamma ! 

Mrs. Bennet. 
I am sure Mr. Collins has been taken in. Well, I trust 
they will never be happy together, and I hope the match 
will be broken off. 

Elizabeth. 
[Imploringly.'] Mamma! 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Turning on Elizabeth in a rage.'] And you are the 
cause of the whole mischief, Lizzy! I think I have been 
barbarously used by you all ! 

[While this conversation has been going on, the other 
guests have been taking their supper. Colonel 
Forster now rises with a glass of wine in his hand.] 

Colonel Forster. 
Ladies and gentlemen — [The buzz of conversation 
ceases.] Ladies and gentlemen, I should like to propose 
the health of Mr. Bingley. 

All. 

Mr. Bingley! 



90 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Colonel Forster. 
[Raising his glass.] To Mr. Bingley — may the pleas- 
ure which he has given us all to-night be but a foretaste 
of the future happiness which he will both receive and give 
in this community. 

All. 
Mr. Bingley — Colonel Forster ! — Mr. Bingley ! 
[All drink as Bingley bows.'] 

Sir William. 
[Rising.] And may I be allowed to still farther ex- 
press the sentiments of this community, by proposing an- 
other toast in which I am sure you will all join me with 
enthusiasm? [Raising his glass.] To the Master of 
Netherfield! May he retain that title from his present 
fortunate youth, to his future green and honoured old age ! 

All. 
[Drinking.] Mr. Bingley! Sir William! Mr. Bing- 
ley! 

Bingley. 
[Rising.] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends! 

All. 
Hear ! Hear ! 

Bingley. 
I — I really cannot tell you how much I am touched by 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 91 

the very kind words of Colonel Forster and Sir William ! 
And — and I only wish that I deserved them. 

All. 
Indeed, you do ! 

Bingley. 
[Embarrassed and looking toward Darcy, who with 
folded arms, is staring at the ceiling.'] No, I do not. I — 
I did not like to speak of such a painful thing on an 
occasion like this, and so I have told no one of the fact 
that I am about to — to leave Netherfield. 

All. 
Leave Netherfield ! Oh ! Oh ! 

BiNGLEY. 

[Still more ill at ease.] Yes. — It is a very sudden de- 
cision, but — but important interests have made it necessary 
for me to — [Lamely.] to leave Netherfield. 

Sir William. 
But only for a time, Mr. Bingley! Let us hope it will 
only be a — a temporary separation. 

Mrs. Bennet. 

Why, surely, Mr. Bingley, you will be back again very 
soon. 



92 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

BlNGLEY. 

[In a dogged manner.'] No — no. I am afraid my re- 
turning at all is extremely uncertain. In fact, I — I ex- 
pect to leave Netherfield permanently. 

[Great consternation. Jane tools down. Elizabeth 
looks at Darcy. Miss Bingley lias a triumphant 
smile.'] 

Colonel Forster. 
[Incredulously.] Oh, my dear Mr. Bingley ! 

Sir William. 
[Solemnly.] This is, indeed, a calamity. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[To Elizabeth. [ Good Lord, Lizzy, poor Jane! 
What 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, hush, mamma! 

Bingley. 
[Looks again at Darcy, who remains perfectly calm 
through all this commotion. This time the sight of him 
seems to make Bingley somewhat angry, and he pulls 
himself together and speaks in a firmer tone and in a more 
cheerful manner.] But, my friends, nobody knows what 
may happen. We shall undoubtedly all meet again some- 
time, and meanwhile, you must not let what I have said 



PRIDE .AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 93 

spoil your pleasure. [The music is now heard again in the 
hall-room.'] There is the music. We must have another 
dance together. 

[There is a general movement among the guests. 

Those at the bach of the room begin to go into the 

ball-room.'] 

Bingley. 
[To Jane, Colonel Forster, and others near him.] 
Let us make up a set here; I think there will be room. 

Colonel Forster. 
Capital idea! 

[The Footmen remove the tables.] 

Miss Bingley. 
Oh, yes, capital! [With meaning, to Darcy.] Do not 
you think so, Mr. Darcy? 

[Darby bows stiffly, without speaking.] 

Colonel Forster. 
Miss Bingley, may I have the pleasure? 

[She bows, tools daggers at Darcy, and takes her 
place in the dance.] 

Bingley. 
[To Jane.] Miss Bennet, will you grant me the happi- 
ness? [Darcy gives him a look which Elizabeth sees.] 
The — the final happiness of my stay at Netherfield. 



94 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Jane. 
[Curtsies, a tremor in her voice.] Thank you. 

[They begin to form a set with Miss Bingley and 
Colonel Forster., Lydia and Denny.] 

Darcy. 
[Crossing to Elizabeth.] May I have the honour, Miss 
Elizabeth ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking at him with frank hauteur.~\ Thank you, Mr. 
Darcy, I am indisposed. 

[Darcy tows, reddens, and crosses to the other side 
of the room. The music begins. Amid embarrassed 
astonishment, Sir William and Charlotte Lucas 
fill the quadrille set. As the dance commences, 
Elizabeth and Darcy, standing at either side of 
the dancers, exchange a glance of the keenest pridi 
and prejudice.] 



ACT III 



ACT III. 

The parlour of Mr. Collins's parsonage at Hunsford. 
At the hack of the room is an open door. This door 
leads directly into the garden, beyond which is seen, 
through an opening in the trees of the parte opposite, 
"the prospect of Rosings" — the residence of Lady 
Catherine de Bourg — "a handsome, modern build- 
ing on rising ground." A wide cottage window, also 
at the bach of the room, gives a plain view of the 
passers-by. On either side of the parlour is a door, 
leading to other parts of the house. Elizabeth is 
discovered standing at the open door and looking up 
at some one outside who is evidently climbing the 
trellis. 

A Voice (outside.) 
Is this the cluster you wish, Miss Bennet? 

Elizabeth. 
[Mischievously.'] No, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Those are 
buds; the ones higher still. There — by the eaves. 

[Elizabeth laughingly watches Colonel Fitzwil- 
liam until he appears with a cluster of half opened 
roses, tvhich he presents to her with a gallant air.~\ 

97 



98 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
[Talcing the roses and putting them in her girdle.] 
Thank you. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
May not I have one, as my reward, Miss Bennet? 

Elizabeth. 
Is not accomplishment its own reward? 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
And is not the power to be generous the highest reward 
that can be given to any accomplishment ? 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, surely ! And so you would have to be generous and 
get me some more roses: then we should each of us have 
to invent new speeches, and so we should never be done 
till we were ready to print a phrase book. However, you 
have certainly won your rose. [She gives it to him.] 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
Thank you! That phrase-book is a capital idea, Miss 
Bennet. Nothing could please me better than just such 
an occupation. It would really be a charity, for Darcy is 
such a dull fellow these days that I really don't know what 
to do with myself. 

Elizabeth. 
But we should hardly have the time for such a project. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 99 

You say that you and Mr. Darcy are to leave Lady Cath- 
erine on Saturday. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
Yes, if Darcy doesn't put it off again. He has already 
paid our aunt a much longer visit than ever before. I am 
at his disposal, you know. He arranges the business just 
as he pleases. 

Elizabeth. 
I do not know anybody who seems more to enjoy the 
power of doing what he pleases than Mr. Darcy. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
He likes to have his own way very well, but so do we all. 
It is only that he has better means of having it than many 
others. [Looking at his watch.~\ I suppose I ought to go 
and look for him now. I expected to find him here, [With 
a meaning smile.'] as not unfrequently happens. But 
since he is not, he probably expects me to meet him at the 
Crossroads. 

Elizabeth. 

I imagine your cousin brought you down with him 

chiefly for the sake of having somebody at his disposal. 

I wonder he does not marry to secure a lasting convenience 

of that kind. But perhaps his sister does as well for the 

present, — and, as she is under his sole care, he may do 

what he likes with her. 

PC 



100 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
No — that is an advantage which he must share with me. 
I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy. 

Elizabeth. 
Are you, indeed? And pray what sort of a guardian 
do you make? Does your charge give you much trouble? 
Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult 
to manage. And, if she has the true Darcy spirit, she 
may like to have her own way. 

[Colonel Fitzwilliam looks at Elizabeth very sus- 
piciously as she makes this last remark.'] 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
Why — what? — Why do you suppose Miss Darcy is likely 
to give us any uneasiness, Miss Bennet? 

Elizabeth. 
[Carelessly. 1 Oh, nothing at all ! You need not be 
frightened! I never heard any harm of her; she is a 
great favourite with a lady of my acquaintance — Miss 
Bingley. I think I have heard you say that you knew Miss 
Bingley. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
I know her a little. Her brother is a pleasant, gentle- 
manlike man. He is a great friend of Darcy's. 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, yes. Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley 
and takes a prodigious deal of care of him. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 101 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
Care of him? Yes, I really believe Darcy does take 
care of him. From something he has told me, I have rea- 
son to think Bingley very much indebted to him. [Stop- 
ping.] But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have no right 
to suppose that Bingley was the person meant. 

Elizabeth. 
[Curiously, and with ill-concealed anxiety.] What is it 
you mean ? 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
It is a circumstance which, of course, Darcy could not 
wish to be generally known, because if it were to get round 
to the lady's family it would be an unpleasant thing. 

Elizabeth. 
You may depend upon my not mentioning it. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
And, remember, that I haven't much reason for sup- 
posing it to be Bingley. What he told me was merely this : 
that he congratulated himself on having lately saved a 
friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent mar- 
riage, but without names or any other particulars, and I 
only suspected it to be Bingley from believing him to be 
the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that sort. 

Elizabeth. 
[Trying to suppress her feeling.] Did Mr. Darcy give 
you his reasons for this interference? 



102 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
I understood that there were some very strong objections 
against the lady. 

Elizabeth. 
Indeed ! {Trying to speak calmly.'] And what arts did 
he use to separate them ? 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
[Smiling.] He did not talk to me of his own arts. He 
only told me, what I have now told you. 

Elizabeth. 
Why was your cousin to be the judge? 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
You are rather disposed to call his interference offi- 
cious? 

Elizabeth. 
[Growing excited.] I do not see what right Mr. Darcy 
had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination; 
why, upon his own judgment alone, Mr. Darcy was to de- 
termine in what manner his friend was to be happy. [Re- 
covering herself.] But as we know none of the particulars, 
it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed 
that there was much affection in the case. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
That is not an unnatural surmise, and I believe Darcy 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 103 

told me that he did not think that the lady, at least, was 
very deeply concerned in the matter. However, to lessen 
the affection on either side is to lessen the honour of my 
cousin's triumph very sadly. 

Elizabeth. 

Your cousin's triumph 

[Greatly excited, she is about to continue, when Char- 
lotte's voice is heard outside.'] 

Charlotte. 
Yes, Mr. Darcy, I think I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam go up 
the garden path a few moments ago. [Protesting. ] Oh, 
no, Mr. Darcy, you are too kind ! Keally 

Darcy. 
[Outside.] Pray, allow me. 

[Charlotte enters, accompanied by Darcy, who is 
carrying a basket of eggs. She wears a garden hat 
and gloves.] 

Charlotte. 
Ah, here he is. Good morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
[To Darcy.] Pray let me have the basket now, Mr. Darcy. 
[Darcy gives Charlotte the basket, and then turns to 
Elizabeth.] 

Darcy. 
Good morning, Miss Bennet. [Elizabeth returns 
Darcy's greeting with a self-consciousness which does not 



104 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

escape his notice, but the motive of which tie mistakes. 
Darcy gives a quick glance from Elizabeth to Colonel 
Fitzwilliam, as lie turns to speak to the latter.'] Ah, 
Fitzwilliam, I thought I might find you here. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 

[Lightly.] Yes, I have been so fortunate as to secure 
some of Mrs. Collins's early roses for Miss Bennet. 

Charlotte. 
[In surprise.] Really! Have they already opened? 

Elizabeth. 
[Who has by this time recovered her self-possession.] 
A very few of them. But Colonel Fitzwilliam was obliged 
to climb very near to the sun to get me these. [She looks 
admiringly upon the /lowers as she speaks.] 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
[Showing the rose which Elizabeth has given him.] 
And you see I have my reward. 

Darcy. 
[Smiling faintly.] Colonel Fitzwilliam might not have 
won his prize so easily, Miss Bennet, had there been others 
in the field. 

Elizabeth. 
Ah, no, Mr. Darcy, I cannot lessen Colonel Fitzwilliam's 
achievement by admitting any such possibility. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 105 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
[Gallantly.] Thank you, Miss Bennet! 

[Darcy turns away with an unconscious look of 
chagrin.'] 

Charlotte. 
Well, surely, my roses will have to bloom their prettiest 
this season in return for all the attention they have re- 
ceived. [To the young men.] Will not you be seated, 
gentlemen ? 

Darcy. 
[Tartly.] Thanks, no, Mrs. Collins; I merely stopped 
for Colonel Fitzwilliam; but perhaps his rose-gathering 
has caused him to abandon our project of taking a walk 
together this morning. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
By no means, Darcy, that pleasure has only been de- 
ferred. 

Darcy. 
Very good then. We will go at once, if Mrs. Collins 
and Miss Bennet will pardon me this ha'sty call. 

Charlotte. 
Certainty, Mr. Darcy! [Elizabeth also, absent-mind- 
edly, murmurs her assent, for which Darcy lingers with 
vague uneasiness before departing with Fitzwilliam. 
Charlotte looks at Elizabeth curiously, then calls to the 
little maid, who enters.] 



106 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Charlotte. 
Martha — take these eggs to the pantry. Do not dis- 
turb them. 

Martha. 
Very well, ma'am. 

[She curtsies and goes out.] 

Charlotte. 
[Taking off Tier hat and gloves.] Now, Eliza, we must 
get to our work and have a comfortable chat. You have 
been here nearly two weeks and we really haven't had a 
good talk yet. 

Elizabeth. 
[Getting out her embroidery. .] Yes, you promised me a 
quiet visit, Charlotte. But I find you are more lively here 
than we are at Longbourn. 

[ The two ladies sit at the table with their embroidery.] 

Charlotte. 
But how could I have anticipated the arrival here of two 
very attentive young gentlemen? [Smiling at Eliza- 
beth.] It is really quite a surprising coincidence, or else 
Mr. Darcy has timed his visit to his aunt very cleverly. 
As to these daily visits to the parsonage — you may be sure 
I do not take to myself the credit of them. Neither of 
these young gentlemen would ever come so often to see 
me. I have to thank you, Eliza, for this civility. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 107 

Elizabeth. 
[With a little temper.] You may thank a lack of oc- 
cupation on their part. You know very well my opinion 
of Mr. Darcy! 

Charlotte. 
Yes. You have often expressed it. I wish I were as well 
informed of Mr. Darcy's opinion of Eliza. 

Elizabeth. 
When you know the one, you know the other. They are 
identical. 

Charlotte. 
Well, perhaps under the circumstances, that is the most 
satisfactory condition of things. And do we hold the 
same opinion of Colonel Fitzwilliam? 

Elizabeth. 
[Tossing her head.] Oh, Colonel Eitzwilliam! 

Charlotte. 
[Looking at Elizabeth sharply, and after a short 
silence.] And so Jane is once more at home after her visit 
in London, and Lydia has gone to Brighton after all. 
How did she ever manage to persuade your father? 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, Lydia was so determined upon it that she and 
mamma gave my father no peace till they had teased him 
to consent. But I am very sorry. Lydia is too foolish, 



108 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

too ignorant and wilful to be trusted away from home. 
I only hope that no harm will come of it. 

Charlotte. 
And is Mr. Wickham still with the regiment? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, he went with it to Brighton. 

Charlotte. 
I hear that he is thinking of marrying Miss King, since 
she has just received a legacy of ten thousand pounds. 
I should be sorry to think that our friend was mercenary. 

Elizabeth. 
A man in distressed circumstances has not time for all 
those elegant decorums which other people may observe. 
If Miss King does not object to it, why should we? 

Charlotte. 
Her not objecting does not justify — him. 

Elizabeth. 
[Emphatically.] Well, have it as you choose. He shall 
be mercenary, and she shall be foolish! Mr. Wickham's 
worst fault, after all, is his power of being agreeable. 
Thank heaven, we both of us know some men who haven't 
one agreeable quality. Stupid men are the only ones worth 
knowing ! 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 109 

Charlotte. 
[Smiling.'] Well, well, Eliza! That speech savours a 
little of — disappointment. 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, yes — anything you please ! 

Charlotte. 
[Changing the subject.] And you say that Jane is not 
in her usual spirits? 

Elizabeth. 
[Shortly.] Yes. 

Charlotte. 
And she is looking poorly? 

Elizabeth. 
[Still more shortly.] Yes — very! 

Charlotte. 
Did she see much of the Bingleys in London? 

Elizabeth. 
[Bursting out hotly.] She saw nothing of them. Oh, 
Charlotte, I have just had all my suspicions verified. 

Charlotte. 
Your suspicions? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, there has been an arrangement in all this. Mr. 



110 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Bingley has been kept away from Jane by [Stops 

suddenly.] 

Charlotte. 
[Looks up curiously, then speaks quickly.] Don't im- 
agine any such nonsense. Eliza. A young man like Mr. 
Bingley so easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few 
weeks — and, when accident separates them, so easily for- 
gets her, that this sort of inconstancy is very frequent. 

Elizabeth. 
We do not suffer from accident, Charlotte. A young 
man of independent fortune does not suddenly decide of 
his own free will to think no more of a girl with whom he 
was violently in love. 

Charlotte. 
But were they so violently in love? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes — I never saw a more promising inclination. Why, 
Mr. Bingley would talk to no one else — would look at no 
one else. Is not general incivility the very essence of love? 

Charlotte. 

[Smiling.] It is usually a good test. But if Jane did 

not return his affection — It really did not seem to me 

that there was anything violent in Jane's attitude. I could 

never sec that she showed any extreme affection for Bingley. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 111 

Elizabeth. 
[Hotly.'] Well, I know that Jane was very much in love 
with him, and that she showed her affection as much as 
her nature would allow. If Bingley didn't see it he must 
have been a simpleton. No — the real trouble was that 
Jane didn't see him often enough, perhaps, to make her 
understand his character. 

Charlotte. 
Oh, if Jane were married to Bingley to-morrow, I should 
think she had as good a chance of happiness as if she were 
studying him for a twelve-month. It is far better to 
know as little as possible of the person with whom you 
are to pass your life. 

Elizabeth. 
[Demurely.] In some cases that is undoubtedly true. 

Mr. Collins. 
[Appears at the garden door. He wears a wide-brimmed 
hat and carries a hoe — also a large basket. He looks in.] 
Ah! A very charming domestic picture! [Talcing a 
bunch of radishes from the basket, he speaks to Char- 
lotte.] My dear, I have found some fine early radishes. 
I thought it would be a graceful attention on your part 
to send some of these to Miss de Bourg. [He sits upon 
the chair near the doorway.] 

Charlotte. 
I fear the apothecary might object. 



112 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mr. Collins. 
True — they might not be suitable, but [Looking at them 
proudly.'] they are very fine radishes. [To Elizabeth.] 
Miss Elizabeth, I am very successful in my gardening. I 
consider the work I do in my garden to be one of my most 
respectable pleasures. Lady Catherine is always ready to 
encourage me in it, and my dear Charlotte is ever willing 
that I should leave her side for the sake of this healthful 
exercise. [Looking at the radishes again.] It is, indeed, 
a pity that Miss de Bourg is not well enough to enjoy them. 
My clear Charlotte has doubtless told you, Miss Elizabeth, 
of the alliance which is in prospect between Miss de 
Bourg and Mr. Darcy. This extreme delicacy of constitu- 
tion would seem to be the only bar to their happiness. 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, Charlotte has told me that Miss de Bourg is sickly. 
She will make Mr. Darcy a very proper wife. 

[Charlotte looks anxiously at Mr. Collins as Eliz- 
abeth says this, but he is gazing out of the door 
and does not seem to notice the remark.] 

Mr. Collins. 
I hope you are pleased with Kent, Miss Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth. 
Very much, Mr. Collins. 

Mr. Collins. 
I do not think the kingdom can boast a grander scene 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 113 

than the one now spread before our eyes: [Pointing.] 
This garden — that park with Eosings in the distance. Do 
not you think my dear Charlotte is most fortunately 
placed, Miss Elizabeth? 

Elizabeth. 
Most fortunately, Mr. Collins. 

Mr. Collins. 
And when you have seen Lady Catherine, you will be 
more deeply impressed, I am sure. We can hardly expect 
her to call upon you. This illness of Miss de Bourg would 
prevent it, and in any case it would be an act of extreme 
condescension on her part; but I am quite confident that 
you will receive an invitation to drink tea of a Sunday 
evening with her, after Mr. Darcy and his cousin are gone, 
of course. And — we may later have an invitation to 
dinner — although I would not for the world arouse in you 
false hopes which may be shattered. 

Martha. 
[Enters in great excitement.] Oh, Mrs. Collins ! Lady 
Catherine's carriage is turning into the lane and she is 
in it! 

Mr. Collins. 
[Rising in great excitement.] Lady Catherine — at this 
hour ! What amazing condescension ! [He turns in a 
helpless manner to Charlotte.] But, my dear, I am quite 



114 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

unprepared. My habiliments — I would not be wanting in 
respect. — What shall I do? 

Charlotte. 
[Hurriedly putting up her work and giving her hat and 
gloves to the maid.'] Go make yourself ready, Mr. Collins. 
We will do the same. [Charlotte pushes Mr. Collins 
gently toward the door.] 



Mr. Collins. 
I Protesting.'] Yes — yes! But this implement- 
[He holds out the hoe.] 



Charlotte. 
Give it to Martha ! 

[Mr. Collins hastily gives the hoe to the maid and 
then goes out. He instantly returns, however, and 
again appeals in distressed tones to his wife.'] 

Mr. Collins. 
[Holding out the basket.] And these radishes, my 
dear? 

Charlotte. 
Martha, take the radishes from Mr. Collins. 

Martha. 
Yes, ma'am. 

[The maid tries to hold at once — basket, hoe, hat, and 
gloves, as she stands in a corner, open-mouthed.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 115 

Mr. Collins. 
[Again emerging from the door.] Do not make your- 
self uneasy about your own apparel, Miss Elizabeth ; Lady 
Catherine is far from requiring that elegance in us which 
becomes herself and daughter — I 

Charlotte. 
[Impatiently.] Oh, do go, Mr. Collins! Lady Cath- 
erine will be here in an instant ! 

[She shuts the door on Mr. Collins.] 

Elizabeth. 
[Greatly amused at all this excitement.] Are you going 
to make any change in your dress, Charlotte? Do you 
wish me to do so? 

Charlotte. 
Well, Eliza, if you wouldn't mind, I should like you to 
put on your sprigged muslin. In spite of what Mr. 
Collins says, I know it would please him. I have no time 
to change. Is my cap straight? Oh, here she is. [To 
the maid, who stands staring, with her arms full.] Why, 
Martha! Are you still there? Go! Go! [She bustles 
the maid out of one door, then runs to the other, calling 
her husband.] Mr. Collins ! Mr. Collins ! 

[She then rushes into the garden, followed immedi- 
ately by Mr. Collins in the same state of excite- 
ment. Elizabeth, as she holes after them, is con- 
vulsed with laughter.'] 



116 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
So, at last — her high and only mightiness! No tre- 
mors, Elizabeth! Now is the time for all your courage. 
[She runs laughing out of the room.'] 

{Sounds of voices are heard, and Lady Catherine 
appears escorted up the path by Charlotte and 
Collins.] 

Lady Catherine. 
[As she reaches the door.] You keep too many hens, 
Mrs. Collins. There is just a certain number which are 
profitable — beyond that there is waste. [Lady Catherine 
sits on the sofa.] A clergyman's wife should set an 
ex-ample of thrift. You should have asked my advice. 

Mr. Collins. 
Mrs. Collins will in the future regulate her poultry-yard 
according to your directions, Lady Catherine, if you will 
be so condescending as to give them. 

Charlotte. 
Yes, thank you, Lady Catherine. 

Mr. Collins. 
Will your Ladyship not take some refreshment ? 

Charlotte. 
Oh, yes — let me fetch you a cup of tea? 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 117 

Lady Catherine. 
No, no — I wish nothing. [To Mr. Collins.] But 
you may go, Mr. Collins, and see if Jones is walking the 
horses up and down. I do not trust Jones. 

Mr. Collins. 
With great pleasure, your Ladyship. [Mr. Collins goes 
out.] 

Lady Catherine. 
[To Charlotte.] I thought you had a visitor, Mrs. 
Collins. 

Charlotte. 
Yes, your Ladyship — I have. It is my friend, Miss 
Elizabeth Bennet. She is a cousin of Mr. Collins and a 
neighbour of ours in Hertfordshire. 

Lady Catherine. 
I have heard about her. Fitzwilliam says she is a very 
genteel, pretty kind of girl. 

Charlotte. 
[Pleased.] Indeed she is, Lady Catherine. 

Lady Catherine. 
Well, where is she? 

Charlotte. 
She has gone to make a little change in her dress, before 
presenting herself to your Ladyship. 



118 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Lady Catherine. 
Oh ! very proper — very proper ! 

Charlotte. 
I am delighted to hear that Miss de Bourg is better, 
Lady Catherine. 

Lady Catherine. 
Yes, thank you. She is very greatly improved. [After 
a slight pause, with impatience.] Well, Miss Bennet takes 
her time ! 

Charlotte. 
[Anxiously.'] I am sure she will be here in a moment. 
[Elizabeth enters.] Oh, here she is. [Presenting 
Elizabeth.] Lady Catherine, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. 
[Elizabeth curtsies.] 

Lady Catherine. 
[Without leaving her seat, looks Elizabeth over from 
head to foot.] Oh, how do you do, Miss Bennet. You 
are younger than I thought ! 

Elizabeth. 
[Smiling.] Indeed ? 

Lady Catherine. 
You know my nephew, Mr. Darcy? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, I met him in Hertfordshire. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 119 

Lady Catherine. 
Humph ! And you know Colonel Fitzwilliam ? 

Elizabeth. 
I have only met Colonel Fitzwilliam since coming here. 

Lady Catherine. 
Humph ! Has your governess left you ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Half laughs.] My sisters and I have never had a 
governess, Madam. 

Lady Catherine. 
No governess! I never heard of such a thing! Your 
mother must have been quite a slave to your education. 

Elizabeth. 
[Smiling.] I assure you she was not, Lady Catherine. 

Lady Catherine. 
Then who taught you? Without a governess you must 
have been neglected. 

Elizabeth. 
Such of us as wished to learn, never wanted the means, 
Madam. 

Lady Catherine. 
Well, if I had known your mother, I should have ad- 



120 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

vised her most strenuously to engage a governess. I should 
have seen to it myself. [To Charlotte.] Go on with 
your work, Mrs. Collins. A clergyman's wife should set 
an example of industry. [Looking at Charlotte's em- 
broidery with disapproval.] I will send you some more of 
the parish petticoats to hem, Mrs. Collins. [To Eliza- 
beth.] Go on with your work, Miss Bennet. Young 
ladies should never be idle. [Both Elizabeth and Char- 
lotte go on with their embroidery. Looking hard at 
Elizabeth.] Pray what is your age, Miss Bennet? 

Elizabeth. 
I am not one and twenty. 

Lady Catherine. 
You have sisters, have not you? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, Madam. 

Lady Catherine. 
Are any of them out? 

Elizabeth. 
All, Madam. 

Lady Catherine. 
What! All out at once? Very odd! Out before the 
oldest is married ! 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 121 

Elizabeth. 

Really, Madam, I think it would be very hard on the 
younger sisters not to have their share of society because 
the eldest one does not happen to be married. That would 
hardly be likely to promote sisterly affection, or delicacy of 
mind. 

Lady Catherine. 

Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for 
so young a person! Your sisters may be married before 
you. You must not be too ambitious. A good many 
young girls have lost their chances through being too 
ambitious. [Looking at a large picture on the wall and 
then pointing to it.] Mrs. Collins, I suppose you have 
shown Miss Bennet this print of Pemberley — Mr. Darcy's 
place? 

Charlotte. 

Yes, Lady Catherine. 

Lady Catherine. 
[Complacently.] Pemberley is one of the finest places 
in England. My daughter Anne is very fond of it, which 
is fortunate, since she will probably spend the most of her 
life there. 

Charlotte. 
Most fortunate, your Ladyship. 

Lady Catherine. 
[To Elizabeth.] You see my nephews here often, 
Miss Bennet? 



122 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
[Mischievously.'] Yes, very often, Lady Catherine. 

Lady Catherine. 
Humph ! "Well, idle young gentlemen often make very 
foolish use of their time. My daughter, Miss de Bourg, 
is unfortunately not able to accompany Mr. Darcy in his 
walks as often as both of them could desire. 

Mr. Collins. 
{Entering."] I think your Ladyship's mind may be quite 
at rest about the horses. Jones seems to have them well in 
hand. 

Lady Catherine. 
Oh, I am glad you have come back, Mr. Collins. I am 
going to ask you and Mrs. Collins to go and see the new 
cottages with me. I shall take you in the carriage. [To 
Charlotte.] You had better put on a plain bonnet, Mrb. 
Collins. 

Charlotte. 
By all means, your Ladyship. [She goes out.] 

Lady Catherine. 
Are you quite ready to go, Mr. Collins? 

Mr. Collins. 
Oh — assuredly, your Ladyship — quite ! 

Lady Catherine. 
[To Elizabeth.] Miss Bennet, I should advise you to 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 123 

write to your family while we are gone. [Charlotte re- 
turns in her bonnet and mantle. Lady Catherine looks 
her over.] Yes, that will do very well ! 

Charlotte. 
[To Elizabeth.] We shall not be gone very long, 
Eliza. 

Lady Catherine. 
I am not sure of that, Mrs. Collins, but I have provided 
an occupation for Miss Bennet during our absence. Good 
morning, Miss Bennet. I may ask you later for dinner. 

Elizabeth. 
[Curtsying.] Good morning, Madam. [All go out, 
Mr. Collins showing servile attentions to Lady Cath- 
erine. Elizabeth watches them from the door.~\ Really ! 
I might have spared myself some of the mortifications I 
have felt for the shortcomings of my own family. The 
contrast is not such a violent one after all. [Looking at 
the writing desk.] However, Lady Catherine can give 
good advice. I really ought to write to my poor, dear Jane. 
[She seats herself at the writing table — gets out her 
paper, etc. and begins her letter when the door-bell 
sounds. Elizabeth starts and is putting away the 
writing materials, when the maid ushers in Mr. 
Darcy, who seems much excited.] 

Darcy. 
I am here again, Miss Bennet. I saw Mr. and Mrs. 



124 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Collins drive away with my aunt. I have something which 
I must say to you. [He walks excitedly up and down for 
a moment, while Elizabeth watches him in amazed silence. 
Then he suddenly goes up to her and begins to speak in an 
agitated manner.'] Miss Bennet — in vain have I struggled! 
It will not do ! My feelings will not be repressed ! You 
must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love 
you! 

Elizabeth. 
[Is perfectly astounded. She stares, colours, doubts, 
and is silent.] 

Darcy. 
[Taking her silence for encouragement.] Miss Bennet, 
I can well understand your own astonishment at this dec- 
laration, for I am amazed at myself! My feeling for you 
has taken possession of me against my will, my reason, 
and almost against my character ! 

Elizabeth. 
[Starting in indignation.] Sir! 

Darcy. 
Oh, understand me, I beg of you! For yourself alone 
my admiration is only too natural. I share it with every- 
one who has the happiness of knowing you. But — pardon 
me — for it pains me to offend you — the defects of your 
nearest relations, the total lack of propriety so frequently 
betrayed by your family, has so opposed my judgment to 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 125 

my inclination, that it has required the utmost force of 
passion on my part to put them aside. But, my dear Miss 
Bennet, your triumph is complete. Your own loveliness 
stands out the fairer in its contrast to your surroundings, 
and I now hope that the strength of my love may have its 
reward in your acceptance of my hand. 

Elizabeth. 

[Who has gone through all sorts of emotions during this 
speech, speaks, in a constrained manner as if trying to 
control herself.] Mr. Darcy — in such cases as this, it is, 
I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obliga- 
tion for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may 
be returned. If I could feel gratitude I would now thank 
you. But I cannot. I have never desired your good 
opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwill- 
ingly. 

Darcy. 

[Leaning against the mantel-piece, hears her words 
with no less resentment than surprise. After a little he 
speaJcs in a voice of forced calmness.'] And that is all 
the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting ? I 
might perhaps wish to be informed why, with so little en- 
deavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small 
importance. 

Elizabeth. 

I might as well inquire why, with so evident a design of 
insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me 
against your will, your reason, and even against your char- 



126 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

acter! Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was 
uncivil ? 

Darcy. 
I very clearly explained that the objections which ap- 
pealed to my reason applied entirely to your family, and 
in no respect to yourself. 

Elizabeth. 
I am a part of my family, Mr. Darcy; and allow me to 
say that, since I have had the opportunity of comparing 
my relations with your own, the contrast is not so marked 
as I had been led to suppose. [Darcy starts.] But — 
aside from all questions of either feeling or family — do 
you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the 
man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps forever, 
the happiness of a most beloved sister, and involving her 
in misery of the acutest kind ? [Darcy looks at her with 
a smile of incredulity.] Can you deny that you have done 
this? 

Darcy. 
I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my 
power to separate my friend from your sister. I did not, 
indeed, anticipate that I should involve either of them in 
" misery " of any kind. On your sister's side, at least, I 
was never able to discover any symptoms of peculiar re- 
gard for Mr. Bingley. While, for every reason, I must 
rejoice in my success with my friend; toward him I have 
been kinder than toward myself, 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 127 

Elizabeth. 

[With disdain.'] Your arrogance in calmly deciding the 
extent of other people's sentiments does not surprise me. 
It is of a piece with your whole nature ! But your inter- 
ference in my sister's concerns is not all. Long before it 
had taken place, my opinion of you was decided. Your 
character was unfolded in the recital which I received 
months ago from Mr. Wickham. [Darcy starts excit- 
edly.] What can you have to say on this subject? In 
what imaginary act of friendship can you here defend 
yourself ? 

Darcy. 

[In a tone of suppressed excitement, in marked con- 
trast to his previous self-assured manner.] You take an 
eager interest in that gentleman. 

Elizabeth. 
Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can 
help feeling an interest in him ? 

Darcy. 
[Contemptuously.] His misfortunes ! Yes, his mis- 
fortunes have been great indeed ! 

Elizabeth. 

[With energy.] And of your infliction! You have 

reduced him to his present state of poverty — comparative 

poverty ; you have withheld the advantages which you must 

know to have been designed for him. You have done all 



128 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

this, and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortunes 
with contempt and ridicule! 

Darct. 

[Walling up and down the room with quick steps."] 
And this is your opinion of me ? This is the estimation in 
which you hold me ! I thank you for explaining it so 
fully. [Stopping and looking at her.] Perhaps if I were 
to divulge the truth regarding Mr. Wickham, I might give 
you as great a surprise as you have given me. [After 
a slight pause.] I do not care to go into particulars, 
but in justice to myself, I must tell you that the man 
whom you consider a martyr is a profligate with the most 
vicious propensities. A man who should never have en- 
tered your home, for his presence there is a constant source 
of danger. 

Elizabeth. 

[In indignation.'] Mr. Darcy! 

Darcy. 
[With dignity.] I am ready to give you the full proofs 
of all I have said, Miss Bennet, whenever you may so de- 
sire, although I would gladly forget all the miserable cir- 
cumstances myself, and no obligation less than the present 
should induce me to unfold them to any human being. 

Elizabeth. 
[Coldly.] Your judgment in the matter of my sister's 
happiness has given me a gauge by which I can measure 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 129 

your fairness to a man who has been so unfortunate as to 
offend you. My faith in Mr. Wickham is unshaken. 

Darcy. 
[Looking at Elizabeth in indignation and oy a 
great effort governing himself.] I shall take what you 
have said, Miss Bennet, as a reflection on my judgment 
alone; otherwise, my veracity would be at stake, and this, 
I am sure, you did not intend. Indeed I understand your 
whole position perfectly. I have erred in the manner of 
my declaration. Your bitter accusations might have been 
suppressed, had I concealed my struggles. It is my own 
fault. I have wounded your pride. I should have flattered 
you into the belief that I was impelled by inclination, by 
reason, by reflection, by everything! But disguise of 
every sort is my abhorrence. Could you expect me to re- 
joice in the inferiority of your connections? 

Elizabeth. 
[Angrily.'] And do you expect me to rejoice in your 
proposal that I ally myself to the conceit and imperti- 
nence of yours? No, Mr. Darcy! The manner of your 
declaration has affected me only in one way : — it has spared 
me the concern which I might otherwise have felt in re- 
fusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike way. 
[Darcy starts.] You could not, however, have made me 
the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have 
tempted me to accept it. [Darcy looks at her with an 
expression of mortified amazement.] I had not known 



130 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

you a month, before I felt that you were the last man in the 
world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry. 

Darcy. 

You have said quite enough, Madam ! I perfectly com- 
prehend your feelings and have now only to be ashamed of 
what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken 
up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for 
your health and happiness. [Darcy hastily leaves the 
room.'] 

Elizabeth. 

[Sinking into a chair, then getting up and walking ex- 
citedly about the room.] To insult my family ! To think 
I was ready to fall on my knees, in gratitude for his con- 
descension! To calmly dispose of Jane's happiness! 
[Stopping in her walk and with a half-amused smile.] 
And yet really to be in love with me in spite of every 
obstacle. [Throwing herself again into the chair, half 
laughing, half crying.] Oh, Jane, Jane ! I wish you were 
here! 

Martha. 

[Enters with a letter.] Here is a letter, Miss. The ex- 
press has just brought it. 

Elizabeth. 
A letter? For me? 

Maid. 

Yes, Miss — [She gives Elizabeth the letter; curtsies 
and goes out.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 131 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking at the letter.] Why, it is from Jane ! What 
can be the matter? [She opens the letter hurriedly and 
reads.] " Dearest Lizzy — I have bad news for you, and it 
cannot be delayed. An express came to us last night from 
Colonel Forster. He told us that Lydia had run away from 
Brighton with one of his officers: — to own the truth — 
with Wickham! 

Elizabeth. 
Oh ! Wickham ! [Going on with the letter.] " He first 
thought they had gone to Scotland, but, oh, Lizzy, it is far 
worse than that! We now know that Wickham never in- 
tended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all ! " 

Elizabeth. 
Oh ! [Reading again.] " Colonel Forster has been here 
to-day. He says Wickham is not a man to be trusted ! He 
has left Brighton terribly in debt, and his record is bad in 
every way. Oh, Lizzy, our distress is very great! My 
father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly to 
try to discover the fugitives. It is hard to ask you to 

shorten your visit, but we are in such distress that " 

[Darting from her seat.] Oh where — where is the ex- 
press? I must write. No — I must go. Oh, Lydia and 
Wickham ! I must go at once ! I must send someone for 
a carriage. [She rushes to the garden door calling.] 
Martha, Martha! The express! [Suddenly she calls 
again.] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is that you? 



132 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
[Appearing in the garden.'] What is the matter, Miss 
Bennet ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Wildly.'] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam — the express — or 
can you get me a carriage? I have bad news from home. 
I must return at once and Mr. Collins is away. Will you 
be so kind? [She falls, half -fainting, upon a chair near 
the door.] 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
[With concern.] Certainly, my dear Miss Bennet — of 

course — but [Calling off.] Darcy, don't wait for me. 

I can't join you now. Miss Bennet is in distress. 

Darcy. 
[Entering.] Miss Bennet? Good God! What is the 
matter ? 

Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
Miss Bennet has just had bad news from home. She 
wishes to return, and desires a carriage. 

Darcy. 
[In a decided tone.] Do you go for the carriage, Fitz- 
william. Get one from the stables. [Fitzwilliam 
hesitates.] 

Darcy. 

Go. I will remain with Miss Bennet. 
[Fitzwilliam goes out.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 133 

Darcy. 
[To Elizabeth very gently.] Shall I call the maid, 
Miss Bennet? A glass of wine? Shall I get it for you? 
You are very ill. 

Elizabeth. 
[Hardly able to speak.] No, I thank you: there is 
nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only 
distressed by some dreadful news which I have just re- 
ceived from Longbourn. [She bursts into tears.] 

Darcy. 
[Helplessly.] I am sorry, very indeed ! 

Elizabeth. 
[After a short silence.] I have just had a letter from 
Jane with such dreadful news! It cannot be concealed 
from anyone. 

Darcy. 
I am grieved, Miss Bennet. Grieved indeed ! 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, Mr. Darcy, you were right. If I had only believed 
you ! You, and others ! But I could not believe it. [She 
sobs.] 

Darcy. 
[Greatly moved.] What is it, my dear Miss Bennet? 
What has happened? 



134 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
[Wildly.] Oh, I cannot tell it, and yet everyone must 
know ! My sister Lydia — has — has eloped — has thrown 
herself into the power of — of Mr. Wickham! She has no 
money, nothing that can tempt him to — she is lost forever ! 
[She sobs again.] 

Darcy. 
Good God, Miss Bennet ! Your sister and Wickham ! 
Oh, this is my fault. I should have realised this danger — I 
should have spoken. My own wretched experience with 
this man should have been told. 

Elizabeth. 
[Wonderingly.] Your experience! 

Darcy. 
Yes — I — you remember. I hinted it to you — to-day. 
But I should long ago have spoken boldly. 

Elizabeth. 
What do you mean? 

Darcy. 

Mr. Wickham attempted this same plan with my own 
sister — two years ago. She was an ignorant, innocent, 
trusting girl of fifteen. Happily, his villainy was dis- 
covered and prevented. But oh, I should have told you! 
Had his character been known, this could not have 
happened. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 135 

Elizabeth. 
You tried to tell me, Mr. Darcy. Everybody has tried 
to warn me. But I could not believe it, and now — it is 
too late, too late ! 

Darcy. 
Let us hope not. Is what you have told me certain — 
absolutely certain? 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, yes. They left Brighton together on Sunday night. 
They are certainly not gone to Scotland. 

Darcy. 

And what has been done, or attempted, to recover your 
sister ? 

Elizabeth. 

My father has gone to London. He will beg my uncle 
Gardiner's assistance. But nothing can be done ! I know 
very well that nothing can be done. How is such a man 
to be worked on ? How are they ever to be discovered ? I 
have not the smallest hope. It is all horrible ! 

Darcy. 
Miss Bennet, I have made a wretched mistake in all 
this. Would to Heaven that anything could be said or 
done on my part that might make you reparation, or offer 
consolation to such distress ! 

[Elizabeth sinks sobbing into a chair while Darcy 
walks up and down in deep thought. In a moment 
a carriage is heard outside — then voices.~\ 



136 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Darct. 
[Looking out.'] Mr. and Mrs. Collins are returning. 
What would you wish me to do? 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, I do not know ! I do not know ! 

Darcy. 
[Returning to Elizabeth, speaks quickly and in deep 
concern.'] You really wish to return home at once? 

Elizabeth. 
[Rising from her chair.] Oh, yes, yes — at once. 
[Reaching her hand to him appealing!]/.] Take me home. 
Mr. Darcy! Take me home! 

[At this instant Mr. and Mrs. Collins appear at the 
garden door, and, transfixed with astonishment, 
stand gazing at Darcy and Elizabeth.] 



ACT IV 



ACT IV 

The Lawn and Shrubbery at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet is 
seated in a garden chair with pillows at her back. She 
has an umbrella over her head. Near her stands a table 
on which are bottles, dishes, etc. She wears a big cap, 
and is gowned in a widely-flowing, flowered chamber' 
robe, over which is fastened a shawl; across her knees 
is a lap-robe. Her entire get-up is grotesque and laugh- 
able. About her hover the housekeeper, Hill and 
Jane. 

Jane. 

Dear mamma, do try and take some of this nice gruel. 
You will be ill if you do not eat something. 

Hill. 
Yes, do, I beg of you, Madam. Now that you are once 
more in the air, if you will only take some food you will 
feel much better. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Fretfully.'] How can I feel better ? I must be ill. It 
is all very well for the rest of you, now that this disgrace 
has been brought upon me — but if I had been able to carry 
my point — if I could have gone to Brighton with all my 
family, this would never have happened. But poor dear 

139 



140 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Oh, that villainous 
Wickham ! I am sure there was some great neglect or 
other somewhere, for Lydia is not the kind of girl to run 
away with a man. But no one would listen to me. I was 
overruled, as I always am. Poor Lydia ! Poor dear child ! 

Jane. 

[Soothingly.'] Oh, mamma, try to be calm. 

Hill. 

Yes, Madam, this excitement is so bad for you. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
How can I help being excited? You have no feelings. 
Here is Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight 
that abominable Wickham and be killed. And then what is 
to become of us all ? The Collinses will turn us out before 
Mr. Bennet is cold in his grave. 

Jane. 
Oh, mamma, do not have such terrific ideas. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Weeping.'] If my brother Gardiner is not kind to me, 
I do not know what we shall do. 

Jane. 

Yes, yes. My Uncle Gardiner is very kind. He is 
doing everything in his power for us. He is helping my 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 141 

father now in London, you know. I hope he will find 
Lydia, and perhaps he may be able to arrange a marriage 
after all. You must not give up so, dear mamma. 

Hill. 
No indeed, Madam. You must not indeed. 

Mrs. Bennet. 

[Brightening.] Yes, Jane, that is true. My brother 
may be able to see that they are married. Write to him 
at once, Jane. Tell him to find them out wherever they 
may be, and if they are not married already, make them 
marry. Oh, I do think that Wickham is the wickedest 
young man in the world to so deceive my poor innocent 
Lydia. But, Jane, go and write my brother and tell him 
that Lydia need not wait for wedding clothes — don't let 
her even give directions till she has seen me, for she 
doesn't know which are the best warehouses. And oh, 
Jane, tell my brother to keep your father from fighting 
that hateful Wickham. Tell him what a dreadful state I 
am in. 

Jane. 

Yes, mamma. [She is about to go.~] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Where are you going? 

Jane. 

Why, to write the letter, mamma. 



142 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Fretfully.'] Oh, not just this minute. Don't leave me 
alone. Where is Lizzy? 

Jane. 
She has gone down the road to meet the post. She 
hopes to bring you good news. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Lamenting.] She had better stay here and be of some 
help. She has only just got home and now she leaves me. 
But nobody thinks of me. Nobody knows what I suffer. 
I am frightened out of my wits. I have such tremblings 
and flutterings all over me — such spasms in my side — and 
pains in my head, and such beatings at my heart. Oh, I 
can get no rest by night or by day! [To Hill.] You 
might try and do something, Hill. Where is my soothing 
draught ? 

Hill. 
[Looking.'] Here, Madam. No, I must have left it in 
your room. I will run fetch it. [She goes out quickly.] 

Jane. 
[Who has been looking off toward the driveway during 
part of this tirade.] Oh, mamma — mamma! Lizzy's 
running up the drive. She is smiling! She has some 
good news, I am sure. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 143 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Take care, Jane. You are exciting me. Oh, my poor 
nerves. 

[Elizabeth enters, breathless. She has a letter in 
her hand.'] 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, good news — good news, Jane ! — mamma ! They are 
married ! 

Jane. 
Oh, Lizzy — Lizzy! 

Mrs. Bennet. 
You are sure, Lizzy? Don't excite me. You are sure? 

Elizabeth. 
[Half laughing and half crying.] Oh, yes, 'tis certain. 
My dear Aunt Gardiner has written me all about it. They 
are really married! Oh, how good my uncle is! [She 
kisses the letter.] 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, Jane — Oh, Lizzy! My dear, dear Lydia! She is 
really married ! I shall see her again ! Oh, my good, kind 
brother ! But how did it happen, Lizzy ? 

Jane. 
Yes, tell us all about it. Let me read it. [She reaches 
for the letter.] 



144 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
[Keeping the letter.] No, I will tell you. Well, my 
father and my uncle succeeded in finding Lydia. My 
aunt does not tell me just how it was done. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Triumphantly.] And your father found that they 
were married after all. I told him 

Elizabeth. 
No, mamma. They were not married, and they had no 
idea of being — but my father and uncle insisted upon it. 
They took Lydia away at once to my aunt's house and 
from there, they were married only yesterday at St. 
Clement's Church. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
St. Clement's— fine ! 

Elizabeth. 
My dear good uncle has arranged to have all Mr. Wick- 
ham's debts paid and my father is to settle an allowance on 
Lydia. 

Jane. 
But where are they ? What are they going to do ? 

Elizabeth. 
My father is coming home at once. He may be here at 
any moment. At first he would not consent to let Lydia 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 145 

and Wickham come to us, but my aunt and uncle urged 
it — and my father knew how anxious mamma would be — 
and so they are coming here too. 

Jane. 

At once? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, directly, to-day. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, my dear Lydia ! How I long to see her, and to see 
my dear Wickham too. But the clothes, the wedding 
clothes ! I must write to my Sister Gardiner about them 
directly. 

[She tries to get out of the chair.'] 

Jane. 

Oh, mamma, there is plenty of time for that. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Well, perhaps so. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry 
we shall all be together ! I am so happy ! Lydia married. 
She is Mrs. Wickham. How well it sounds. My dear 
Jane, I must see about the clothes. We will settle with 
your father about the money later. Oh, I am in such a 
flutter ! Here comes Hill. [Hill enters with the bottle.] 
My dear Hill, have you heard the news? Miss Lydia is 
married and is coming home directly. 

Hill. 
Indeed! 



146 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Yes, you shall all have a bowl of punch, to make merry 
for her wedding, and I am going into the house to write 
about the clothes. [To Jane, who is going with her.~\ 
No, Jane, you stay where you are. I know what I am 
about. Come, Hill. Think of it — Mrs. Wickham ! 

[She goes out leaning on Hill's arm, leaving Jane 
and Elizabeth together.] 

Jane. 
Oh, Lizzy, how relieved and happy we should be. Is not 
it wonderful? [Anxiously.] Are you sure it is true? 
Have you told us all ? 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, Jane, it is true. They are really married. And 
for this we are to be thankful. In spite of Lydia's folly 
and Wickham's wretched character, we are to rejoice. How 
strange it is ! Heigh-ho ! 

Jane. 
[Putting out her hand for the letter which Elizabeth 
still carries.] May not I read the letter, Lizzy ? 

Elizabeth. 

No, not now, dear. My aunt has some queer notions 

in her head. Later perhaps. [After a pause.] I am 

very sorry now that in my agitation I told Mr. Darcy 

about this wretched affair. Now that it has come out so 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 147 

well, he need never have known anything about it, and it 
would have saved me a great deal of mortification. 

Jane. 

But how would you ever have explained things to Char- 
lotte and Mr. Collins without his help? Mr. Darcy mad;} 
everything so smooth and plausible for your sudden de- 
parture. 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, that is true. 

Jane. 
Really, Lizzy, I think I shall have to take up the cudgels 
in Mr. Darcy's defence. His kindness to you has quite 
won my heart, and his amazing proposal was certainly a 
most flattering compliment. Why can you see no good in 
Mr. Darcy, Lizzy? You were always so full of excuses 
for Wickham, though it is true his open and delightful 
manners deceived us all. 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, there certainly was some great mismanagement in 
the education of those two young men. One has all the 
goodness and the other all the appearance of it. 

Jane. 

I never thought Mr. Darcy so deficient in the appearance 
of it as you did, and he certainly could hardly have had the 
friends he has if he did not possess some good qualities. 



148 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

[Shyly. 1 Lizzy, have you heard that Mr. Bingley is back 
in Netherfield? 

Elizabeth. 
[Astonished.'] Oh, Jane, no. When did he come? 
Have you seen him ? 

Jane. 

No ; I hardly expect to see him. 

Elizabeth. 
[Brightly.'] Yes, you will, if he has returned. [Sud- 
denly clapping her hands.] Oh, I understand. [Kissing 
her.] My darling Jane, you are going to be very happy ! 

Jane. 

Lizzy dear — don't, don't. That is all over now, and be- 
sides I don't want to be happy unless you can be, too. 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, forty Mr. Bingleys wouldn't make me happy. Till 
I have your disposition, I never can have happiness. No, 
no, let me shift for myself. Perhaps if I have very good 
luck I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time. 

Harris. 
[Entering.] Mr. Bennet has returned, Madam, and is 
looking for you. 

Jane. 
Papa returned ! 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 149 

Elizabeth. 
Where is he, Harris? [Looking off.] There he comes! 
Papa! 

[They run to meet Mr. Bennet, and, bringing him 
in, seat him in a garden chair, one on either side 
of him.] 

Elizabeth. 
Papa, tell us all about it quickly — quickly. 

Jane. 

Are they really married, papa ? 

Mr. Bennet. 
Yes, that misfortune is well settled on them. They are 
married fast enough. 

Elizabeth. 
And where are they? When will they be here? 

Mr. Bennet. 
I should say they would be here directly. I didn't care 
to travel with them, but they are not far behind — only just 
far enough to keep out of the dust of my post chaise. 

Elizabeth. 
Dear papa — how you must have suffered ! 

Mr. Bennet. 
Say nothing of that— who should suffer but myself ? It 
has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it. 



150 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
You must not be too severe upon yourself. 

Mr. Bennet. 
You may well warn me against such an evil. No, 
Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how much I have been to 
blame. The impression will pass away soon enough. 

Elizabeth. 
But, papa, how did you persuade them to marry? 

Mr. Bennet. 
I didn't persuade them ; I haven't the means. It is all 
your uncle's doing. He has managed to buy Wickham 
for us. 

Jane. 

Oh, dear good uncle ! 

Mr. Bennet. 
[Looks at Jane quizzically.] But there are two things 
that I want very much to know — one is how much money 
your uncle has laid down to bring it about, and the other, 
how I am ever to pay him. 

Jane. 
But my uncle did not do it all ? 

Elizabeth. 
No, papa. My Aunt Gardiner has written me that you 
are to give Lydia an allowance. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 151 

Mr. Bennet. 

Yes, one hundred a year. Do yon think that any man in 
his proper senses would marry Lydia on so slight a tempta- 
tion as one hundred a year ? 

Elizabeth. 
That is very true, though it had not occurred to me be- 
fore. Oh, it must be my uncle's doings. Generous man ! 
I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could 
not do all this. 

Mr. Bennet. 
No, Wickham's a fool if he takes Lydia with a farthing 
less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think 
so ill of him in the very beginning of our relationship. 

Elizabeth. 
Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is one- 
half such a sum to be repaid ? 

Mr. Bennet. 
That is what I should like to know. 

Elizabeth. 
Well, my uncle's kindness can never be requited. If 
such goodness as his does not make Lydia miserable, then 
she will never deserve to be happy. 

[Laughter and voices are heard outside.] 



152 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
Surely I hear voices. [Looking off.] Why, they have 
come. See papa — Jane — there are Lydia and Wickham. 

Mr. Bennet. 
Yes, here they are. I will go to the library. I can re- 
ceive their congratulations later. You know I am pro- 
digiously fond of Wickham, Lizzy. I defy even Sir Wil- 
liam Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law. 
[He goes out.] 

Jane. 
I must run and tell mamma. 

[She is just starting ivhcn Wickham and Lydia 
enter. They are in travelling dress and are fol- 
lowed by servants bringing all sorts of bandboxes, 
ivraps and parcels. They come in with the utmost 
unconcern and no shadow of shame.] 

Lydia. 
Well, Jane, well, Lizzy, here we are ! 

Wickham. 

[Smiling and unabashed.] My sister, Jane — My sister 
Elizabeth. 

[He hisses their hands. Jane and Elizabeth are 
confused and blushing. Neither Wickham nor 
Lydia is in the least discomposed.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 153 

Lydia. 

[Looking about.'] Good gracious ! Here I am again ! I 
am sure I had no idea of being married when I went 
away, though I thought it would be very good fun if I 
was. Why don't you take the boxes in, Harris ? Wickham, 
have you seen my pink-flowered bandbox? [Looking over 
the parcels.] No, it isn't here. Oh, my dear Wickham, 
do go fetch it — you know 'tis the box with the white satin 
hat you bought me. I wouldn't lose it for the world. 
Go, go ! 

Wickham. 
Certainly, my dear. [To the girls.] You see how 
eagerly I embrace my new opportunities ! t 
[He runs out, laughing.] 

Lydia. 
[To Elizabeth and Jane.] Oh, girls, I am dying to 
give you an account of my wedding. 

Elizabeth. 
I think there cannot be too little said on that subject. 

Lydia. 
La, you are so strange. But Jane wants to hear, I 
know. Anyway, I want to tell you. Well, there was such 
a fuss! My aunt was preaching and talking away to me 
all the time I was dressing, just as if she was reading a 
sermon. I didn't hear one word in ten of it all. I was 



154 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

thinking of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether 
he would be married in his blue coat. Well, we got to 
church, and then my uncle gave me a fright after we got 
there, because he was so late, and he was going to give me 
away, you know. But then, if he hadn't come, Mr. Darcy 
might have done as well. 

Jane and Elizabeth. 
Mr. Darcy! 

Lydia. 

Oh, yes, Darcy was there. He came along with Wick- 
ham. [Suddenly stopping.'] But gracious me! I quite 
forgot. I ought not to have said a word about it. I 
promised them as faithfully — what will Wickham say? 
It was to be such a secret. 

Jane. 
If it was to be a secret, Lydia, say not another word on 
the subject. We shall ask you no questions. 

[Elizabeth looks most anxious, but says nothing.] 

Lydia. 
Thank you — for if you did, I should certainly tell you 
all, and then Wickham would be angry. [She sees Mrs. 
Bennet, who enters in great excitement from the house.] 
Oh, there is mamma. 

{They rush into each other's arms. Wickham returns 
at about the same time.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 155 

Mrs. Bennet. 
Oh, my dear, dear Lydia! [To Wickham with affec- 
tionate warmth.'] My dear Wickham ! 
[They also embrace.] 

Lydia. 

Oh, mamma! Aren't you glad to see us? [Wickham 
turns and tails to Jane and Elizabeth.] Do all the 
people hereabouts know that I am married ? I was afraid 
they might not, and so I let my hand just rest on the 
window-frame outside the carriage, so that everybody could 
see my wedding ring; and then I bowed and smiled like 
everything. 

Mrs. Bennet. 

You may be sure, my dear, that everybody will rejoice 
with us in our good luck. [Sighing.] Your marriage is a 
great compensation to me after all my disappointment 
about Jane and Lizzy. I do not blame Jane, for she would 
have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! Oh, 
Lydia, it is very hard to think she might now have been 
Mrs. Collins ! But how about your clothes ? 

Lydia. 
Oh, I have a lot already. You may be sure I would not 
forget them. 

Mrs. Bennet. 
[Alarmed.] But you didn't know the best warehouses! 
Well, never mind, we will see to that later. Now you must 



156 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

all come in and have dinner. You must be famished. 
Come, girls. Come, my dear Wickham. 

[They all go toward the house. At the door Lydia 
pushes Jane back.] 

Lydia. 

Ah, Jane, I take your place now. I go first because I 
am a married woman. 

[They all go into the house. After a pause, Harris's 
voice is heard outside.'] 

Harris. 
Will not you come into the house, Madam? 

Lady Catherine. 
[Entering, followed by Harris.] No, I prefer to remain 
here. Tell Miss Elizabeth Bennet that a lady wishes to 
see her at once. Remember, I cannot be kept waiting. 

Harris. 
Yes, Madam. [He bows and goes out.] 

Lady Catherine. 
[Looks about her with a sniff, then deliberately seats 
herself in the big garden chair with the umbrella over it. 
She mutters to herself from time to time and taps her foot 
impatiently.] Insufferable impudence! Conceited little 
minx ! She shall have a piece of my mind. 

[Elizabeth comes to her from the house.] 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 157 

Lady Catherine. 
[Without moving.] Miss Bennet, you can be at no loss 
to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own 
heart — your own conscience must tell you why I come. 

Elizabeth. 
[In unaffected astonishment] Indeed, you are mis- 
taken, Madam. I am not at all able to account for the 
honour of seeing you here. 

Lady Catherine. 
Miss Bennet, you ought to know that I am not to be 
trifled with. I have just been told that you— that Miss 
Elizabeth Bennet would in all likelihood be soon married 
to my nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it to be a 
scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved on setting off 
for this place that I might make my sentiments known to 
you. 

Elizabeth. 
[With astonishment and disdain.] If you believed it 
impossible to be true, I wonder you took the trouble of 
coming so far. What could your Ladyship propose by it? 

Lady Catherine. 
At once to insist upon having such a report universally 
contradicted. 

Elizabeth. 
[Coolly.] Your coming to Longbourn to see me and my 



158 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

family, will be rather a confirmation of it, if indeed such a 
report is in existence. 

Lady Catherine. 
If ! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it ? Do you 
not know that such a report is spread about? 

Elizabeth. 1 
I never heard that it was. 

Lady Catherine. 
And can you likewise declare that there is no foundation 
for it? 

Elizabeth. 
Your Ladyship may ask questions which I shall not 
choose to answer. 

Lady Catherine. 
This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist upon be- 
ing satisfied. Has he — has my nephew made you an offer 
of marriage? 

Elizabeth. v 

Your Ladyship has declared it to be impossible. 

Lady Catherine. 
It ought to be so. But your arts and allurements may 
have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all 
his family. You may have drawn him in. 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 159 

Elizabeth. 
If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it. 

Lady Catherine. 
Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been 
accustomed to such language as this. I am Mr. Darcy's 
own aunt, and am entitled to know all his dearest con- 
cerns. 

Elizabeth. 
But you are not entitled to know mine. 

Lady Catherine. 
Let me be rightly understood. This match can never 
take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my 
daughter. Now what have you got to say? 

Elizabeth. 
Only this — that if it is so, you can have no reason to 
suppose Mr. Darcy will make an offer to me. 

Lady Catherine. 
[Hesitating. ] The engagement between them is of a 
peculiar kind. While in their cradles, my sister and I 
planned their union. Do you pay no regard to the wishes 
of his friends? Do not you see that honour, decorum — 
nay, interest, forbid you marrying my nephew? Yes in- 
terest; Miss Bennet. For you will be slighted and despised 
by everyone connected with him! 



160 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
These are heavy misfortunes. But the wife of Mr. 
Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness 
that she could have no cause to repine. 

Lady Catherine. 
[In a rage.'] Obstinate, headstrong girl ! Tell me once 
for all — are you engaged to my nephew? 

Elizabeth. 
[Hesitates, then firmly.] I am not. 

Lady Catherine. 
[Relieved.] And will you promise me never to enter 
into such an engagement ? 

Elizabeth. 
I will make no promise of the kind. 

Lady Catherine. 
Aliss Bonnet, I am shocked and astonished. I shall not 
go away until you have given me the assurance I require. 

Elizabeth. 
And I certainly never shall give it. I must beg, there- 
fore, to be importuned no further on the subject. 

Lady Catherine. 
[In a fury, but trying to speak calmly.] Not so hasty, 
if you please. I had hoped to spare you this last humilia- 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 161 

tion — but your insolence forbids it. I am no stranger to 
the particulars of your sister's infamous elopement. I 
know all ! The young man's marrying her was a patched- 
up business at the expense of my nephew. [Elizabeth 
starts violently.] Oh, you needn't start, Miss! Nobody 
knows about the whole affair better than you. But I don't 
wonder you blush to find yourself discovered. You used 
your arts well. My nephew must have spent full five or 
six thousand pounds to save your family from disgrace. I 
should think that such generosity might appeal a little to 
your gratitude and your sense of decency. 

Elizabeth. 
[Amazed.] Oh, Madam, — I 



Lady Catherine. 
It is quite useless to protest. I have my facts from the 
best authority. Heaven knows Darcy has reason enough 
to keep away from Wickham's flirtations and entangle- 
ments, but [stopping herself.] that is a family affair. 
However, you have managed to get him mixed up in them 
again to the extent of five thousand pounds. But that is 
not enough, — you want to make this shameless girl my 
nephew's sister, and the son of his father's steward his 
brother. Heaven and Earth! Are the shades of Pem- 
berley to be thus polluted ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Speaking with great effort.] Madam, you have in- 



162 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

suited me in every possible manner. I must beg to return 
to the house. This is beyond endurance. 

Lady Catherine. 
Selfish girl ! You are then resolved to have him ? 

Elizabeth. 
Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. 

Lady Catherine. 

[Rising from her chair.] Very well. I shall now know 
how to act. Do not imagine your ambition will be grati- 
fied. Depend upon it, I shall carry my point. [Ooing.] 
I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. You deserve no such 
attention. You will see what it is to rouse my displeasure. 

[Lady Catherine goes out.~\ 

Elizabeth. 
[Sinking upon the garden seat, overwhelmed.'] Can it 
be possible? Do we owe all this to Darcy? Oh, it is 
intolerable! [She puts her hands over her face in an 
abandonment of grief.] 

Jane. 
[Is heard outside calling.] Lizzy! Lizzy! [She 
enters, and on seeing her sister rushes to her.] Lizzy 
dear ! What is it ? Is there any new trouble ? 

Elizabeth. 
[Throwing her arms about her sister.] Oh, Jane, Jane ! 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY l6S 

Yes, there is no end of trouble. Lady Catherine has been 
here. 

Jane. 
[Astounded.] Lady Catherine! 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, yes, and — she says — that — oh, Jane 



Jane. 
[Distressed.] Tell me, Lizzy! 

Elizabeth. 
She says it was Darcy who paid all the money to Wick- 
ham — it was Darcy saved us — and — and she says I per- 
suaded him. I ensnared him, and — and she has insulted 
me. 

Jane. 
My dear, dear Lizzy. There must be some mistake. It 
was my good uncle who 

Elizabeth. 
[A little calmer.] No — no, Jane, it must be true. I 
can put things together now. My aunt's hints in the let- 
ter — you know I did not want to show it you. Then what 
Lydia let fall, and her fear of Wickham's anger. 

Jane. 

[Soothingly.] Well, dear, even so, Mr. Darcy 's motive 
is clear enough — and that should give you no pain. 



164 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
You are mistaken. I know his motive. He feels that 
he is responsible because he was silent about Wickham's 
true character. He told me that all this would never have 
happened, had he done his duty. And now, he will despise 
us. He will never wish to see us again as long as he lives ! 
[She walks up and down in great excitement.'] 

Harris. 
[Entering; to Jane.] The young gentlemen from 
Netherfield, Madam. I told them they would find you here. 

Elizabeth. 
Oh, Jane, I cannot see them. 

[She tries to run away, but before she can escape 
Bingley enters, all smiles, followed by Darcy, 
who looks very much troubled and excited. They 
are both in riding dress; Darcy carries a whip.] 

Bingley. 
[Shaking hands.] Miss Bennet, I am so happy to see 
you again. Miss Elizabeth, it is good indeed to be back 
once more at Longbourn. 

[He takes Jane to a garden seat] 

Darcy. 
[Embarrassed.] Miss Bennet, believe me, I should not 
have followed my friend. I only expected to ride with 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 165 

him to the Lodge, but — but I met my aunt coming away 
from here, and from something she said, I feared, — I 
imagined she might have offended — distressed you. 
[Elizabeth does not reply.] 

Bingley. 
[Gaily. ~\ Miss Bennet is going to show me the Hermit- 
age. We shall be back directly. 
[Jane and Bingley go out.] 

Darcy. 
[Looking anxiously at Elizabeth, who remains silent.] 
Forgive my intrusion. I will go. 
[He starts to go away.] 

Elizabeth. 
[Recovering herself.] No — stay, Mr. Darcy. Excuse 
my own incivility. Your aunt's visit has excited me. I 
shall be myself in a moment. [Darcy stands by, misera- 
ble. At length she speaks in a calmer tone.] Mr. Darcy, 
your aunt has told me of our overwhelming obligation to 
you. You must let me thank you for your unexampled 
kindness to my poor sister. 

Darcy. 

[Exploding and banging his whip against his knees.] 
Damn! — Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. I beg 
your pardon. What right has my aunt to meddle in my 
affairs ? How dare she give you such distress ? 



166 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Elizabeth. 
It is far better that we know the truth, Mr. Darcy. For 
my part, I can never express to you our obligation. 

Darcy. 
Oh, Miss Bennet — I beg of you! The obligation was 
entirely my own. I only did what was my decent, plain 
duty. [Faltering.'} You remember — I told you — if I 
had spoken, this would never have happened. 

Elizabeth. 
Yes, I remember. But you exaggerated your responsi- 
bility. I — we — of course my father will 6ee you about 
your loan to us. I would not have Lady Catherine 

think 

Darcy. 
[Furious again.'] Oh, I will settle matters with Lady 
Catherine! Have no fears on that score, Miss Bennet. 
She shall be set right, I assure you. 

Elizabeth. 
Thank you. And for all your trouble — your kindness 
— my family can never repay you. 

Darcy. 
Your family owes me nothing. If I had any thought be- 
yond my duty, it was a thought of — you. [Elizabeth 
turns away."] Oh, pardon me. Perhaps, I ought not to 
say all this — but I owe you a great deal, Miss Bennet — 



PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 167 

more than you can know; and I want you to understand 
me better. I really am not the pretentious prig I must 
have seemed to you. I wish you could forgive my abomin- 
able pride. 

Elizabeth. 
[Looking at him with a half smile.'] I will, on one 
condition. 

Darct. 
Name it. 

Elizabeth. 
That you forget my unwarrantable prejudice. 

Darcy. 

Oh, Miss Bennet ! [He goes impetuously forward — then 
restraining himself, smiles and looks down at her.] I really 
think, after all, I shall have to be grateful to my aunt. She 
has done us an enormous service. 

Elizabeth. 
[Smiling still more.] Well, Lady Catherine loves to be 
useful ! 

[At the back of the scene Bingley and Jane, absorbed 
in each other, pass by, hand in hand. Elizabeth 
looks at them, then turns to Darcy.] 

Elizabeth. 
[Archly.] Is that by your permission? 



168 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 

Darcy. 
[Ruefully.] Yes, I told you I had been kinder to my 
friend than to myself. 

[Elizabeth, silent, still looks after Bingley and 
Jane.] 

Darcy. 
[Continues in a discouraged tone.'] Well, I deserve it. 
It is my own fault. My selfish conceit has wounded you 
past help. Every sentiment of your nature has felt it — 
seen it. 

Elizabeth. 
[Demurely.] But one sentiment they say is blind. 

Darcy. 
[Stunned.] Miss Bennet ! [Elizabeth looks up at 
him. He rushes toward her.] Dearest, loveliest Eliza- 
beth 1 

[He holds her in his arms.] 



CURTAIN". 



SEP 24 1900 






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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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